FINLAND: Total Objector Pyry Nurmi started prison term today

Aseistakieltäytyjäliitto, the Finnish affiliate of War Resisters' International, informed WRI today that total objector Pyry Nurmi reported at Suomenlinnan työsiirtola prison today to start his 197 days in prison.

Pyry Nurmi, 19, a warehouse man from Helsinki, a recognised conscientious objector, was ordered to start substitute civilian service in August 2000. Instead, in June 2000 he announced to the authorities that he is refusing to do so. His total objection to military service is based on reasons of conscience. "I don't want to be involved in keeping up the world order, which is based on militarist structures", he said in his hearing. He views the substitute civilian service as punitive and not a real alternative to military service. Therefore he considers total objection as the only possible action, a clear protest against the conscription system and all military.

On 5 December 2000 the District Court of Loviisa sentenced him to 197 days of imprisonment. Nurmi appealed to the Helsinki Appeal Court, but the sentence was confirmed. As of October 2001, 22 total objectors were imprisoned in Finland, which is a considerable increase.

War Resisters' International calls for letters of support to Pyry Nurmi.

Pyry Nurmi Suomenlinnan työsiirtola Suomenlinna C 86 00190 HELSINKI Finland

War Resisters' International calls for the immediate release of all imprisoned conscientious objectors in Finland.

Andreas Speck, War Resisters' International

Please write protest letters to the Finnish authorities, or the Finnish embassy in your country:

The President of the Republic Ms. Tarja Halonen Tasavallan presidentin kanslia Mariankatu 2 00170 Helsinki tel: (+)-358-9-661133 fax: (+)-358-9-638247 e-mail: presidentti@tpk.fi

Prime Minister Mr. Paavo Lipponen Post Box 275 00171 Helsinki FINLAND e-mail: paavo.lipponen@vnk.vn.fi

Minister of Labour Ms. Tarja Filatov Post Box 524 00101 Helsinki FINLAND e-mail: tarja.filatov@mol.fi

Minister of Defence Mr. Jan Erik Enestam Post Box 31 00131 Helsinki FINLAND e-mail: jan-erik.enestam@plm.vn.fi fax: (+)-358-9-653 254

Please send copies to: Finnish Union of CO's fax (+)-358-9-147297 e-mail: akl@aseistakieltaytyjaliitto.fi