The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief is a fundamental human right, recognized under international law and protected by democratic values. We stand in solidarity with Halil Karapaşaoğlu and all Turkish-Cypriot conscientious objectors who face prosecution and pressure for refusing compulsory military service. We believe that no one should be punished for choosing peace over arms.

As AVFRI, we support human rights, freedom of expression, and justice, and we echo the call for the recognition of conscientious objection in northern Cyprus while urging authorities to end the criminalization of those who act according to their conscience.

Supporting conscientious objectors is not only about defending individual freedoms, but also about building a more just, peaceful, and democratic society..

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