Conscientious objector Dragoslav Dojkic

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Use this form to send the letter below to the relevant authority (Prvoslav Davinic, Minister of Defence of Serbia and Montenegro). You can add your own notes in a separate box after the standard text, if you wish. You must include a name, address, and email address; a copy will be sent to you with a cc to the WRI office (so we have a record of how many email letters have been sent out for this particular case).

Dear Mr Prvoslav Davinic, Minister of Defence

I am very concerned about the attempt to arrest conscientious objector Dragoslav Dojkic. Dragoslav Djokic turned conscientious objector during the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia in 1999. Then, a cluster bomb was dropped into his backyard, seriously injuring one of his neighbours.

Dragoslav Djokic applied for conscientious objector status. On 20 February 2004, the Special Commission for Civilian Service of the Military Department of Nis turned down his application, because he was fined for "an act against public peace and order" and for keeping "dangerous animals" in 2002.
According to Article 10 of the present regulation on Civilian Service, applicants who have been presecuted for "acts against public peace and order" are excluded from the right to conscientious objection. In 2002 Dragoslav Djokic was fined 400 dinars for taking his dog for a walk in a park without wearing a muzzle. As the dog was on a lead, and they were in a park, Dragoslav Djokic has removed the muzzle. It is important to note that he was not charged for a criminal offence, but fined for a misdemeanour.

Dragoslav Djokic appealed to the Ministry of Defence. However, in a letter dated 1 November 2004, his appeal was turned down.
Presently, Dragoslav Djokic is appealing to the Supreme Court.
Nevertheless, the Army sent Dragoslav Djokic a call up for March 2005. According to regulations, Dragoslav Djokic would need to sign for his call up on receiving it. However, he refuses this, and he refuses to perform any form of military service.

Article 10 of the regulation on Civilian Service contradicts international standards on the right to conscientious objection, and the denial of the right to conscientious objection for Dragoslav Dojkic is therefore a violation of his human right.
I call on you to halt all proceedings against Dragoslav Dojkic, and to ensure that he receives a recognition as conscientious objector.
I call on you to respect human rights.