Imprisonment of conscientious objector Halil Savda
Use this form to send the letter below to the relevant authority (HILMI ÖZKÖK, Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces). You can add your own notes in a separate box after the standard text, if you wish. You must include a name, address, and email address; a copy will be sent to you with a cc to the WRI office (so we have a record of how many email letters have been sent out for this particular case).
Dear HILMI ÖZKÖK, Chief of General Staff
I learned today about the imprisonment of conscientious objector Halil Savda, and I am appaled about his treatment. I fear for his wellbeing and health, as he experienced torture when he was arrested more than 10 years ago.
Halil Savda declared himself a conscientious objector, and refuses to perform any military service, and to wear a uniform. He is being charged with "insisting on disobedience", although he just follows his conscience. The right to conscientious objection is derived from Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. So far Turkey does not recognise this right, and a case is presently being considered at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg (39437/98).
Although Halil Savda has been sentenced for membership in an illegal organisation, he served his sentence, and he also has the right to change. From his own experience, he has good reasons for conscientious objection. I urge you to ensure that he is not mistreated in prison.
I therefore urge you to immediately release Halil Savda, and to follow Council of Europe and UN recommendations. I urge you to respect human rights.
- Sign and send this protest email