Don't be a soldier of the invasion!

On October 9th, Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched an invasion into northern Syria. This invasion is an attempt to destroy the political, cultural and economic rights of the Syrian Kurds.

Turkish Armed Forces are the major military power of this initiative, supported by a group of Islamist gangs under the name of the Syrian National Army. Erdoğan’s aim with this operation is to destroy the Kurds. He also opens up space for ISIS to operate.

This is an illegal war that contradicts international treaties.

As conscientious objectors and war resisters, we are against the invasion of northern Syria. We will not participate in the invasion, and we urge everyone to take a stand against this operation of ethnic cleansing!

Those who make the decision to invade, those who participate in it, and those who offer support should know that they are committing a crime against humanity.

We say to those who have been involved in and supporting this operation: Stop being a part of the occupation!

We call on the Turkish State to abolish compulsory military service and recognise the right to conscientious objection.

We also call on the State parties to the Dublin Convention to protect conscientious objectors and military deserters who are, and will be, seeking asylum!

End the occupation and make peace!

Refuse, resist, say no, DO NOT BE A SOLDIER!

Halil Savda
Beran Mehmet İşçi
Cemil Özdemir
Ercan Jan Aktaş