Ten more Kurdish Conscientious Objection Movement members declared their conscientious objection decision, stating that they won’t do their military service.

The number of Kurdish youth declaring conscientious objection, is rising day by day. Following the conscientious objection declaration of 14 Kurdish youth last week in Ýzmir, today, 10 more Kurdish youth held a press conference in MKM-Der (Mesopotamian Culture Center) Ýzmir Branch. Kadir Yýlmaz, who read the statement on behalf of Kurdish Conscientious Objection Movement members, called out to Kurdish youth not to take place in TSK (Turkish Armed Forces). Yýlmaz stated that they must refuse to be soldier as death is imposed on them, adding; “We refuse compulsory military service. Regardless of their race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation and thoughts, we support all conscientious objectors who develop an attitude towards war and deaths. Therefore, we will continue our works for the social awakening and for not sending Kurdish youth to join the army. No Kurdish youth should do military service for Turkish army, which treats our people as an enemy.”

Translation: Berna Ozgencil