Recent CO Action alerts

en
de
es

The CO-Alert email list is specifically for alerts in cases of conscientious objection or antimilitarist action. CO-Alerts are sent out by email as soon as the WRI office receives information on the imprisonment or trial of a conscientious objector, are a powerful tool to mobilise support and protest. We provide an email contact form, so you can quickly and simply contact the authorities, in support of a nonviolent activist who is facing repression.

In many countries, prison is still the fate of conscientious objectors (COs). Thousands of COs are still in prison -- in South Korea, Israel, Finland, Colombia, and many other countries. Despite many countries having introduced laws on conscientious objection, many COs still face imprisonment, because they either don't fit into the authorities' criteria, or they refuse to perform any substitute service. War Resisters' International supports conscientious objectors who are imprisoned because of their conscientious objection, or face repression by the state or state-like entities.

If you have information about a CO who is facing persecution, a CO-Alert may be a good tool for you to use in their support. Read our 'Guidelines for making use of WRI's email alert system for conscientious objectors', and get in touch with us.

Subscribe to receive CO-alerts through our mailing list info page.

Finnish total objector Otto Absetz began a sentence of 99 days imprisonment on Tuesday, 30th August. Otto's refusal is based on the fact the current Finnish legislation on conscription is discriminating and puts people to different position on basis of their sex and religion.

Send a protest email to the Finnish prime minister here.

Refuser Tair Kaminer has been exempted from the army for 'bad behaviour'. We say: if everyone 'behaved badly' in this way, the world would be a much safer place!

Tair spent over 150 days in prison for her refusal.

Thank you to everyone who's sent CO Alerts for Tair, and supportive messages. Conscientious objector Omri Baranes is still in prison, and we will keep you in touch with developments.

Conscientious objector Tair Kaminer has been imprisoned in Israel for 20 days.

Send a protest email to the Israeli authorities here.

In her declaration, Tair writes 'When I look at all these children, at the next generation of both sides and the reality in which they live, I can but see the continuation of trauma and pain. And I say: Enough!'

 

Chaw Sandi Tun from Myanmar has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in connection with a Facebook post mocking the army.

She is a prisoner of conscience, who must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Send a protest email to the Myanmar authorities here.

Finnish total objector Visa Savolainen began a sentence of 173 days "home detention" on Tuesday 27th October. Visa, a 21-years old political and social activist from Tampere, was sentenced on 28 August by Eastern Uusimaa district court (Itä-Uudenmaan käräjäoikeus) for "refusal of civilian service" (siviilipalveluksesta kieltäytyminen).

Send a protest email to the Finnish prime minister here.

Edo Ramon

In Israel, the prison sentence for conscientious objector Edo Ramon has been lengthened by 20 days - this is now his sixth term in prison. Edo is in Military Prison 4, and has already spent 65 days in prison. A video of Edo, speaking on his decision to refuse to join the IDF, is available here.

Send a protest email to the Israeli authorities here.

In Israel, conscientious objector Efi Drishner has been imprisoned for the third time. He is in Military Prison 6 for 20 days. Efi has declared his refusal to serve for reasons of conscience due to his opposition to the occupation of the Palestinian people, and discrimination against Palestinians inside Israel.

Send a protest email to the Israeli authorities here.

Stay up to date with our international antimilitarist activism.

Sign up to our email lists here