Middle East Eye | 9/9/2016
When he graduated from college facing the prospect of mandatory national service, Onur Erem emailed the General Staff of Turkey’s armed forces to ask what punishment he would face as a conscientious objector.
A military staff member replied, telling Erem bluntly that he could not avoid service. Erem responded that he knew his pacifist objections were not legally recognised – but he wanted to know what might happen if he did object.
The answer was not straightforward – conscientious objection is still a relatively new concept in Turkey, which has for years required at least six months’ service from young men.
…
Naomi Cohen | journalist 