Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Ukraine: About new 300 criminal cases against conscientious objectors

(30.10.2024) The number of new criminal cases against conscientious objectors has surged since summer 2024 after the General Prosecutor’s Office wrote to local prosecutors. About 300 conscientious objectors now face criminal investigations which could lead – if cases reach court and end in convictions – to a 3 to 5 year jail term. Of the 89 cases related to 86 individuals that have already reached trial (listed in this article), courts handed down 9 jail terms (only one conscientious objector is currently in jail), with 11 suspended sentences. Trials in 66 of the 89 known cases that have reached trial are ongoing.

Appeal for Donations

#ObjectWar Campaign - #StandWithObjectors

(25.10.2024) Support deserters and conscientious objectors from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Their courageous step must be strengthened. A European network of groups and organizations offers hotline, counseling, accompaniment and support in asylum procedures and advocates for deserters and refusers on a political level. For this purpose we ask for your donation on the donation account set up especially for this purpose:

IBAN DE47 5055 0020 0006 0853 77, Sparkasse Offenbach, SWIFT HELADEF1OFF

You can also donate quickly and easily online: https://en.connection-ev.org/StopWarUkraineDonations-form

Donations are tax deductible. For a donation receipt, please provide us with your address. Thank you very much for your support.

Connection e.V. briefs the UN human rights committee on Greece

(21.10.2024) Connection e.V. delivered an oral statement on the violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Greece during the formal briefing at the UN human rights committee in Geneva. It raised as well as concerns about the lack of follow up and implementation on the Petromelidis case.

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.