Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Conscientious objector Zana Aksu sentenced to imprisonment

(18.09.2021) For an alleged violation of Turkish military law, conscientious objector and human rights activist Zana Aksu has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Criminal Division of the Eruh District Court. He is also to pay a fine of 10,000 TL (equivalent to about 1,000 euros). Aksu had already been charged with insubordination in 2018 and acquitted. The prosecution did not let up and initiated proceedings again last year. This time with success for the time being. The verdict is not yet final.

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

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."