Turkey considers allowing conscientious objection to military service

Men over the age of 20 must serve in the military for 15 months up and conscientious objectors are routinely prosecuted

Associated Press in Ankara

guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 15 November 2011 20.13 GMT

Turkey’s justice minister says the country is considering introducing the right to conscientious objection for men who do not believe in military service.

Military service in Turkey is obligatory for men over the age of 20, who must serve for 15 months. Conscientious objectors are routinely prosecuted.

Sadullah Ergin, the justice minister, told reporters on Tuesday that the right to conscientious objection “will be assessed, discussed and brought to parliament if deemed applicable”.

He was speaking at a conference aiming to reduce the number of human rights abuse cases filed against Turkey at the European court of human rights, including by conscientious objectors.

via Turkey considers allowing conscientious objection to military service | World news | The Guardian.