Testimony of Conscientious Objector Kenan Kahya: Conscientious Objection is a Human Right!

Interview Series Part l

(15.05.2024) On the International Day of Conscientious Objection, we’re starting to share the testimonies of the conscientious objectors from Turkey. In the first of the interview series, you’ll hear the testimonies of conscientious objector Kenan Kahya.

Kenan Kahya (32), who declared his conscientious objection in 2017, faces many restrictions and violations, from the violation of his right to work to the restriction of his freedom of travel, because he refuses compulsory military service.

"I have various motivations for being a conscientious objector", Kenan explains, "My first motivation is to be a war resister. I believe that all our problems can be solved by dialogue. In this way, I’m against compulsory military service. I do not want to hold on to a gun in any army in the world.”

The interview was recorded in Turkish. It can be accessed in full length and with English subtitles on the youtube channel @vicdaniretizleme.

The deepening human rights crisis in Turkey directly affects conscientious objectors who refuse compulsory military service and the conscientious objection movement. While the Turkish government continues to insist on not recognizing the right to conscientious objection, conscientious objectors continue to be subjected to numerous restrictions and human rights violations and civil death.

Vicdani Ret İzleme (Conscientious Objection Watch): Testimony of Conscientious Objector Kenan Kahya: Conscientious Objection is a Human Right. Interview Series with Conscientious Objectors, Part I. Published on May 15, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgnzhAZRczE.

Keywords:    ⇒ Conscientious Objection   ⇒ English Material   ⇒ Objectors Report   ⇒ Projects   ⇒ Turkey