Free Mehmet Tarhan! Gay conscientious objector jailed in Turkey (tags)
December 9, 2005, is an International Day of Action to support Mehmet Tarhan, gay conscientious objector jailed in Turkey. Turkey does not recognise conscientious objection and provides no alternative to military service.
URGENT Refusenik Mehmet Tarhan - Stop mistreatment and detention (tags)
We are urging support for Mehmet Tarhan, a conscientious objector who is a gay man, detained since 8 April in the military prison of Sivas, Turkey. We understand that he has been repeatedly and brutally attacked by other prisoners after prison staff told them that he was "a terrorist". His trial, which began on 26 May, has been postponed to 9 June. When he appeared in court on the 26th, Mr Tarhan had bruises all over his body and could not walk well. He is now on hunger strike against the abuse and against the refusal of the prison authorities to ensure his safety.