Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

U.S. AWOL Soldier André Shepherd’s Request for Asylum

The European Court of Justice: Having published its preliminary ruling, what is the next move?

(14.03.2015) On February 26, 2015, the European Court of Justice (ECJ), having been asked by the Munich Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgericht) to submit a decision on U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd’s request for asylum, published its preliminary ruling. As many media observers now believe that Mr Shepherd’s prospects of being granted asylum status are very remote, Rudi Friedrich from Connection e.V. has now summarized his initial thoughts on whether pessimism is indeed justified and what ramifications the court's preliminary ruling will have.

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.

US: Objector Sara Beining sentenced, but released from jail - Discharge soon

(10.12.2014) Yesterday, in a military courtroom at Fort Carson, Colorado, military war resister Sara Beining was sentenced to time (5 months) already served in pre-trial confinement, and a “bad conduct” discharge. Sara was initially facing a decade in prison on two counts of desertion, so this is a huge victory. Sara benefited greatly from the representation of attorney James Branum of Oklahoma City. Mr. Branum’s services and expenses were paid for by Courage to Resist and our supporters nationwide. Sara was released from jail last night, and will be out processed from the US Army in the next few days.

EBCO calls for the release of the Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objector Haluk Selam Tufanli

International day of action: Tuesday 9 December 2014

(08.12.2014) The European Bureau for Conscientious Objectors (EBCO) condemns the unacceptable and anachronistic practice of the Turkish-Cypriot authorities to prosecute and imprison conscientious objectors to military service. EBCO calls for the immediate release of 31-year-old conscientious objector Haluk Selam Tufanli and for the full recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service for conscripts, reservists and professional members of the armed forces, in line with European and international standards.