18/1/2024: EBCO denounces the prosecution of Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objector Mustafa Hürben

EBCO - European Bureau for Conscientious Objection denounces the prosecution of conscientious objector Mustafa Hürben in the northern, Turkish-occupied, part of Cyprus (the self-styled “Turkish Republic of North Cyprus”). EBCO Chief Editor Derek Brett attended his trial as international observer in Nicosia today, 18 January 2024 at the security forces court (the military court) in the northern part of Nicosia, Cyprus. The prosecution accepted that Mustafa is a conscientious objector. As there is no legislative provision the judge explained that the option of acquittal was not available. However, considering all the previous court decisions on the issue the court would not like to give a prison sentence. According to the law the lowest possible fine which can be given is 800TL (approximately 25 euro). Mustafa was sentenced to a fine of 800TL (approximately 25 euro), payable in 5 days, otherwise he will be imprisoned for 3 days.

As Mustafa declared that he has no intention to pay the fine he expects to go to prison on Tuesday 23/1/2024.

The Initiative for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus Kıbrıs'ta Vicdani Ret İnsiyatifi is planning to contrive that he has to be arrested in front of the parliament with a suitable accompanying action.

Solidarity with Mustafa Hürben and the Kıbrıs'ta vicdani ret!

More: https://www.ebco-beoc.org/node/612