Conscientious Objectors to Form Association in Turkey

Turkey's conscientious objectors are set to kick off their first association on May 18 - during the week of International Conscientious Objectors Day.

The association will be open to all who refuse the compulsory military drafting for religious, moral or political reason, activists said.

Oğuz Sönmez from Savaş Karşıtları Platformu (Anti-War Platform) said they have been planning to form an association for longtime but were unable to realize due to lack of human resources and motivation.

"For me, the victimization of certain objectors was always a priority. As you know, they have been subjected through torture in military prisons. We couldn't stand behind some of them," he told bianet.

"Their families had really tough times. An association could help them out. Of course, what we need is the recognition of right to conscientious objector.

"We will help out military service victims"

"Turkey is still the only country in the Council of Europe that doesn't recognize the right to conscientious objection. All EU countries recognize this right.

"The European Court of Human Rights compelled its member countries to recognize the right to conscientious objection in July 2011. This binds Turkey as well.

"5-10 years ago, ideas like conscientious objection were considered imaginary in Turkey. Now we are almost realizing our association. We have suffered a lot to come to this point. Our goal is to kick off our association with 100 founding members.

"On May 18, we will organize a gathering to celebrate International Conscientious Objection Day and announce the foundation of our association." (EKN/BM)