Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Conscientious objector Zana Aksu sentenced to imprisonment

(18.09.2021) For an alleged violation of Turkish military law, conscientious objector and human rights activist Zana Aksu has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Criminal Division of the Eruh District Court. He is also to pay a fine of 10,000 TL (equivalent to about 1,000 euros). Aksu had already been charged with insubordination in 2018 and acquitted. The prosecution did not let up and initiated proceedings again last year. This time with success for the time being. The verdict is not yet final.

Turkey: Conscientious Objection Association publishes significant report on the situation of conscientious objectors

(06.07.2021) Yesterday the Istanbul-based Association for Conscientious Objection (Vicdani Ret Dernği) published a comprehensive report on the situation of conscientious objectors in Turkey. "The report," the association said in its press release, "details the rights violations and juridical processes conscientious objectors in Turkey are experiencing." Turkey, which is a member of NATO, has compulsory military service, usually lasting six months, and does not recognise conscientious objection. The English version of the report can be downloaded at https://en.connection-ev.org/pdfs/expert-opinion-turkey-2021.pdf.

Solidarity with the Ukrainian journalist and conscientious objector Ruslan Kotsaba

Brutally assaulted by right-wing radicals

(28.06.2021) On 25 June 2021 the President of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement Ruslan Kotsaba was attacked by a neo-Nazi gang at the Ivano-Frankivsk railway station. Later he underwent surgery to save his sight due to a burn in his retina with the chemical brilliant green or "zelenka". The doctors diagnosed a corneal burn on one eye and he is now undergoing ophthalmological treatment. The attack is likely to be related to the court hearing against Ruslan Kotsaba scheduled for Tuesday, June 29.

South Korea: Top court confirms acquittal of man who refused enlistment for nonviolence beliefs

(24.06.2021) The Supreme Court upheld the appellate court’s acquittal of the man, a self-identifying "queer feminist," indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act for refusing to follow his conscription in 2017.