Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

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.

Webinar: Conscientious objection in Turkey and in exile

Wed., 7th July, 16:00 pm BST, 17:00 pm CEST, 18:00 pm Turkey

We are happy to invite you to a webinar in which conscientious objectors living in Turkey or in exile are given the floor to report about their experiences in the face of multiple repressions in their own country and an uncertain future abroad.

The event will last for 1 hour and 30 minutes and will be held in English and in Turkish with simultaneous translation.

This event is free. Please use the link here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoce6ppz4uH9b5KiUk1ypfhABrrmBn9lSf

The webinar is organized by War Resisters’ International, Connection e.V. and Union Pacifiste de France

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.

Turkey and Conscientious Objection: Stop the Civil Death!

Gallery about the action in Frankfurt am Main May 15, 2021

(15.05.2021) Today, about 40 people made a protest action on the square Hauptwache against the persecution of conscientious objectors in Turkey, which still exists. "Conscientious objection is a human right. Turkey must also recognise this!" said Rudi Friedrich of Connection e.V. today. "The Turkish government turns a blind eye to various rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and subjects conscientious objectors in the country to lifelong persecution. This is unacceptable! However, it is an example of the Turkish government’s policy of waging war in neighbouring countries and harshly persecuting criticism and opposition through various criminal offences."