Conscientious Objector Arrested Once Again

Conscientious objector Halil Savda is arrested today on the case where he's tried with "disobedience to orders with intention of avoiding military duty totally or partially" as defined on article 88 of the Martial Penal Code.

Savda was present at the trial conducted in Corlu Martial Court.

He defended himself by declaring once again his conscientious objection to militarism and saying that he's forced to live as a "fugitive".

The court then ordered his arrest and Savda is sent to Corlu prison.

He was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment based on another article on January 2005 but the Martial Appeal Court overruled the decision.

The high court based it's decision on previous sentences Savda served from the same offence and proposed that he's tried on article 88.

Savda's lawyer Suna Coskun told bianet that the Ministry of Justice is refusing to make the reforms in accordance with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decisions on this issue.

He noted that the issue is kept on hold, dooming conscientious objectors to live as "fugitives" and Savda doesn't want to oblige to such a treatment.

Human Rights Association (IHD) declared its solidarity with Savda and will make a press conference tomorrow.

Platform on conscientious objection

Objecting to military service in Turkey is an offence and, as recent experiences have shown, one in which civilians who have not yet been recruited can face charges and sentences at military tribunals.

15 democratic mass organizations and political parties have united in recent months to launch a Conscientious Objection Platform to defend the rights of those who reject compulsory military service.

The platform demands the lifting of legislation that restricts anti-militarism and defines it as a punishable offence of "discouraging the people from military service".

Inclusive of the abolishment of laws under which conscientious objectors can be prosecuted for "insistence of disobeying orders" and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, martial criminal law articles 87 and 88. (AO/EÜ)