Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Israel: Hundreds of soldiers threaten to refuse to fight in Gaza

(21.10.2024) 130 soldiers have published an open letter and are threatening to refuse to serve unless a hostage release deal is signed immediately, and in effect, a ceasefire deal that could put a stop to Israel’s assault. Many of the signatories have already declared their refusal.

Ukraine: Recruitment offices, military detain, pressure and torture conscientious objectors

(18.10.2024) On 11 June, Recruitment Office officials tortured Adventist conscientious objector Pavlo Halagan to pressure him to accept mobilisation. "They tied me to the bed with chains and began to physically torture, punch and beat me," he complained. On 1 July, at a military camp, "one commander grabbed me by the neck", Baptist conscientious objector Kiril Berestovoi complained. "He hit me on the head, beat me around the heart." The torture lasted half an hour. Officials use psychological pressure, detention (sometimes for several months), deprivation of food, threats, and beatings.

Turkey: Conscientious objector faces vicious cycle of investigations

(17.10.2024) Conscientious objector Şendoğan Yazıcı has been battling a vicious cycle of criminal investigations and lawsuits since making his declaration in 2010. The activist told Gazete Duvar that the state traps objectors in social and legal "limbo."

’This Isn’t a Country I’ll Sacrifice My Life For’

Why 130 Israeli Soldiers Are Refusing to Serve

(09.10.2024) Physically and mentally exhausted from the war, appalled by what they see as a far-right spirit sweeping the army, and feeling anger at the abandonment of the hostages, 130 reservists and conscripts say they will no longer report for duty if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fails to strike a deal with Hamas