Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Connection e.V. Comment on the article in the Jerusalem Post of 15 Feb. 2018

„German bank enables pro-BDS NGO that supports IDF deserters“

(21.02.2018) On 14 February 2018, we received an e-mail inquiry by the journalist Benjamin Weinthal. Mr. Weinthal already denounced BDS activities as antisemitic in a number of articles, and in particular called on banks to block the accounts of groups that, in his opinion, engage in BDS activities. Since the questions he posed to us did not suggest an honest interest, did not relate to our work, he insisted on an immediate reply, and we did not consider ourselves qualified to pass public judgment on the work of others, we did not answer. On 15 February 2018,  Benjamin Weinthal published in the Jerusalem Post the article “German bank enables pro-BDS NGO that supports IDF deserters”.

Decision of the European Court of Justice in the case of U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd

Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL: Much that is negative and little that is positive in the outcome

(26.02.2015) The network for conscientious objection Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL criticize today’s decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case of U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd (37) as insufficient and in part quite incomprehensible in its argumentation. “The ruling by the ECJ does not strengthen the position of conscientious objectors and deserters in political-asylum proceedings. The Court avoided some fundamental questions, and answered others unacceptably, contrary to the opinion submitted by the Advocate-General.” said Rudi Friedrich of Connection e.V.

U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd: European Court of Justice Advocate General Reinforces Rights of Refusers

(11.11.2014) In the legal case of U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd (37) the European Court of Justice Advocate General, Eleanor Sharpton, today published her final opinion. This official statement contains guiding deliberations for the interpretation of the so-called Qualification Directive of the European Union. Amongst other considerations, these rules state that those endangered by prosecution or punishment for refusal to perform military service involving an illegal war or commital of war crimes, should be protected by the European Union.

Mediterranean Conference on Conscientious Objection in Cyprus

Report

(10.02.2014) The first ever Mediterranean Conference on Conscientious Objection took place in Cyprus from 31 January to 3 February 2014. Over 30 activists from Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Turkey were able to particpate. The group was complemented with other guests from Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Rudi Friedrich reports.