Conscientious Objector at Legal Loophole
Conscientious objector Halil Savda is released today by the Corlu Martial Court only to be recruited at the barracks. Hes tried with disobedience to orders with intention of avoiding military duty. Legal loophole prevents a definitive result.
Savda was arrested on December 7 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.
Upon his release, he was taken to the army barracks in Gelibolu. Authorities use this legal loophole to pressure the conscientious objectors. It's probable that Savda will face disciplinary punishment again in the barracks for disobeying the orders.
A European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling on January 24 2006 condemned the Turkish government for lack of legal arrangements for objectors to military service, which is compulsory by law for every Turkish male citizen over 18 years of age.
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.(EÜ)
- Number of Prisoners Exceeds Population of 4 Provinces [14 February 2012]
- TURKISH-GREEK BORDER: EU Turns down Fence between Greece and Turkey [14 February 2012]
- BİA MEDYA MONITORING - 2011: Year of Struggle for Journalists [10 February 2012]
- VAN EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH: Tent Cities Emptied - Former Tenants Left without Shelter [13 February 2012]
- Dozens of Custodies in KCK Operations [13 February 2012]
Independent Communication NetworkIndependent Communication Network comprises more than internet news website bianet.org. It is a continuously unfolding network since 1997 and embraces "Training Drives" for journalists and communication students and NGOs; handbook series, "Radio Programs" for the local media, conferences, forums, international exchange programs.
IPS Communication Foundation (BİA)IPS Communication Foundation is the implementing body for the BIA &bianet.org. Founded in 1993 by four journalists and one human rights activists, has implemented many projects including a BİA, BİA2 and BİA3.
BİA LibraryBİA Library comprises of handbooks series and guides and researches which systemize the theoretical and informative contributions realized during the implementation of programs within the BİA projects. Some of the 15 publications are in English and accessible via bianet.org.
Contact us
You can reach IPS Communication Foundation directors, BİA project coordination, bianet.org editorial board via telephone, fax, e-mail and mail from everywhere on the globe, dispatch information and/or documents and request meetings.
- Ana Sayfa|
- Yazarlar|
- Arşiv-Arama|
- Bilgi-Belge|
- Çocuk Sitesi|
- BİAMag|
- Kadının Penceresi|
- News in English|
- Haber Listesi|
- Galeriler|
- Linkler|
- Künye|
- BİA Hakkında
This website is published within the framework of "Journalism for Rights, Rights for Journalists" -dubbed as BİA3 - project implemented by the IPS Communication Foundation with the financial assistance of the Swedish International development Agency (SIDA). The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of IPS Communication Foundation and under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the EU and SIDA and IFEX.
