TURKEY: Jail Term for Conscientious Objector Onur Erden

Conscientious objector Onur Erden has been sentenced to 10 months in prison on charge of deserting mandatory military service. Erden will go to prison if the penalty is approved by the Military Supreme Court.

Trials of conscientious objectors Onur Erden and Uğur Gültekin, who were pending a trial without arrest on charge of deserting mandatory military service, were heard by Gelibolu 2nd Corps Commandership Military Court.

As Gülen’s trial was adjourned to July, Eden was sentenced to 12 months in prison and reduced to 10 months by the court, however, announcement of his verdict was not deferred. Erden will be behind bars for 10 months in case the penalty is approved by the Military Supreme Court.

In a statement following the trial, Conscientious Objection Association lawyer Gökhan Sosyal said it is unlawful that his clients are tried by the military court over being conscientious objectors. (EKN/TK)

First published on Bianet on 23rd March 2017.