EBCO sends observer at the Military Court of Nicosia in support of Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu

Brussels, 2 January 2019

Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu is at imminent risk of imprisonment because the right to conscientious objection to military service is still not recognised in the northern part of Cyprus, in violation of the European and international law and human rights standards. Up until today there are four open court cases against Halil Karapaşaoğlu and the Military Court of Nicosia (Lefkosa Askeri Ceza Mahkemesi) is expected to announce its decision tomorrow, 3 January 2019.

"Conscientious objection is a right, not a crime. EBCO supports Halil Karapaşaoğlu and all conscientious objectors whose rights are violated. We are following the cases of Halil Karapaşaoğlu since the beginning and we are sending Derek Brett, EBCO’s Special Representative to the United Nations, as an observer at the court hearing at the Military Court of Nicosia on 3 January 2019”, EBCO’s President Friedhelm Schneider stated today.

EBCO demands that all the charges against Halil Karapaşaoğlu are dropped, and that the right to conscientious objection to military service is recognised without further delay, in line with the European and international law and human rights standards”, EBCO’s Special Representative to the United Nations Derek Brett added.

EBCO supports the solidarity campaign of the Initiative for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus, including the call for tomorrow (https://www.facebook.com/events/283814665816425/).

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