Conscientious objectors in Turkey

It has been a long time since I did not write anything on this blog. There have been many developments in my life as well as in Turkey. There have been some good things, but mostly bad things are happenning unfortunately...

The fate of the conscientious objectors in Turkey did not change much indeed. "Conscientious objection is a human right not a personality disorder", but yet Turkey doesnot want to accept that. Peaceful protesters, human rights defender Halil Savda and three other activists, are convicted for "alienating the public from military service" in Turkey under Article 318 of the Turkish Penal Code on 17 June 2010. The case was opened against them following their attendance at a public demonstration on 6 January 2010 in support of conscientious objector and Amnesty International prisoner of conscience, Enver Aydemir, who had been in military detention since 24 December 2009 for refusing to perform military service. Amnesty International issued an urgent action on this cases.

The good thing took place on 15th September 2010. International Hrant Dink Foundation have given The International Hrant Dink Award 2010 to the the laureates; the Conscientious Objection Movement in Turkey and Baltasar Garzón Real from Spain, on September 15, 2010 with a ceremony at the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall. Mehmet Tarhan, in his speech, quoted Hrant: “Leaving the burning hell to run to ready-made heavens was not for me. We were of those who aspired to turn the hell they live in, into heaven,” and said that they could only walk on with the feeling of responsibility they felt to the ones who were able to say this. He continued his words by explaining that every conscientious objection is a personal commitment in fighting against militarism and using the language of peace, and with the Award they promise once again, this time to Hrant. “With this award, we are now indebted to you, Hrant.”

Good days will come?