Turkey’s Conscientious Objectors Unable to Become Deputy

Ercan Jan Aktaş, a conscientious objector and Conscientious Objectors Association [Vicdani Ret Derneği] Executive Board Member, declared his pre-candidacy for the upcoming elections on June 7 under Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

Halil Savda, another objector and peace activist, also declared his pre-candidacy last week under HDP.

However, Law No 2839 on Deputy Elections require candidates to complete their “compulsory military service” before being eligible.  

Concerning the issue, the association released a statement on the situation of pre-candidates running in the upcoming elections. 

The statement reminded that Turkish Constitution Article 24 and 90 as well as European Declaration of Human Rights Article 9 on conscientious rights and previous ECHR rulings against Turkey where complainants objected the compulsory military service in Turkey on religious or conscientious grounds.

In addition, the association declared that Ercan Aktaş must be exempted from submitting a “military service status” document for the reasons specified. 

The association, on the other hand, mentioned of a two-pillar campaign to raise awareness and seek for rights.  

“The first pillar is the judiciary struggle,” the association said. “The other pillar is the universal right to be elected, a right assured under international treaties.” (EKN/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.