Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

USA: Nobel Laureates salute Bradley Manning

(14.11.2012) Last week, PFC Bradley Manning offered to accept responsibility for releasing classified documents as an act of conscience – not as charged by the US military.  As people who have worked for decades against the increased militarization of societies and for international cooperation to end war, we are deeply dismayed by the treatment of Pfc. Bradley Manning.  The military under the Obama administration has displayed a desire to over-prosecute whistle-blowing with life-in-prison charges including espionage and “aiding the enemy”, a disturbing decision which is no doubt intended to set an example.

USA: Dismiss all the charges based on Bradley’s unlawful pretrial punishment!

Call to action November 27th, 2012!

(01.11.2012) On November 27 Bradley Manning's defense will once again face off with the military prosecution in Ft. Meade to argue that all charges be dismissed because of "unlawful pretrial punishment". This is one of the defense's final chances to reduce possible sentencing, second in importance only to the court martial which begins next February 4th. It's a crucial chance for the public to show the military and the media that they still support Bradley.

Azerbaijan: Conscientious objector two weeks in army

(10.08.2012) Jehovah’s Witness Amid Zohrabov, from Lokbatan near Baku, was forcibly conscripted into the army when he was summoned on 23 July by the local Conscription Office, Jehovah’s Witnesses complained to Forum 18. Members of this religious community worldwide are pacifist and refuse to do any form of military service.

Kazakhstan to start defence training for all

(09.08.2012) Kazakhstan will introduce universal military training for all adult citizens, according to a government decree published Thursday. "The goal of universal military training of citizens is to attract the population to civil defence activities, prepare for necessary contingencies, and build up the armed forces in the period of martial law," the document said.