Cyprus (North): Historical win for conscientious objectors in the north of Cyprus

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rejected Turkey’s appeal against the conviction as an outcome of Murat Kanatlı’s complaint, a conscientious objector who refused compulsory military service in Northern Cyprus. The ECHR’s ruling, issued on September 24, upheld the violation of rights verdict in Kanatlı’s case against Turkey. Ankara was ordered to pay the conscientious objector 9,000 euros in non-pecuniary damages and 2,363 euros for trial and other expenses. Cyprus Conscientious Objection Initiative issued a statement after the ECHR’s decision and said: “We said ‘Our homework is peace, our conscientious objection is our right’ and we continue to say so.” You can access more detailed information about the ECHR’s decision here.