Military Court Releases Conscientious Objector Bal

Adana military court released conscientious objector Mehmet Bal by finding him not fit for military service. His lawyer objects the decision, since, he says, Bal rejected military service based on his belief in conscientious objection.

Bia news center - Adana

26-06-2008

Erol ÖNDEROĞLU - hukuk@bianet.org

The Military Court of the 6^th Army Corps released conscientious objector Mehmet Bal two weeks after his arrest. The reason for the release was the health report prepared by İskenderun Military Hospital for Mehmet Bal, which stated that he was not fit for military service on the date of the crime and afterwards.

Bal, who was claimed to be tortured at the military station where he was detained after his arrest, was released on the night of June 24, pending trial.

His health report arrived, the hearing day was moved forward, Bal was released

The military court discussed the matter in the morning of the release day, without waiting for the third hearing day on June 27, which it had announced previously, and decided for Bal’s release.

Bal’s lawyer in Adana, Meriç Tümer, told Bianet that “they do not accept the reason for the release, since Bal used his international right of conscientious objection, although this right does not exist in Turkey.”

The trial will continue on August 15.

Tümer said that the court did not ask them to present their defense regarding the essence of the case and he added that the trial would continue on August 15.

The human rights organizations such as the Human Right Association (İHD) had protested the treatment Bal was subjected to during his detention at the military station. A press release by these groups is expected. (EÖ/NZ/TB)

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