Murat Kanatli, the Turkish Cypriot politician and conscientious objector appears optimistic about an ECHR ruling in his favour in the case he filed against Turkey for breach of human rights.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) accepted his petition against Turkey on Wednesday, Murat Kanatli, has said and has noted that this is the first case filed by a Cypriot conscientious objector therefore the case is of great significance for both the north and south part of the island, referring to the Government controlled areas and the areas under Turkish occupation.
In statements to Cyprus News Agency Kanatli, who was jailed for ten days in March last year following a military court ruling as he has refused to appear for reservist duty, said that he is optimistic as to the outcome of his case since after 2011, ECHR ruled on similar cases in favour of the conscientious objectors.
He also said that he will apply for a rapid procedure so that the ruling is out before his trial and another possible sentence. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the case at the ECHR gives anti militaristic struggle in Cyprus a major incentive to intensify their efforts in defence of human rights and for peace.
Those who are in power and the army will be forced to think twice before they put in jail any conscientious objector, he said. “This will not only applies to the north of Cyprus, but also to the south,” he added.
Kanatli has refused to join the reservists since 2009. His lawyer, Oncel Polili has applied to the ECHR against Turkish Republic last spring based on the fact that there are already decisions of the same court that the occupied part of Cyprus is considered to be the sub administration of Turkey, Kanatli said.
The case, which was given the file number 18382/2015, is based on breach of the European Convention of Human Rights, namely articles five, six and nine; the right to liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion, respectively.
Another conscientious objector, Haluk Selam Tufanli, was also sentenced to ten days in prison last December after the end of a 13-month trial for his refusal to answer to a reserve call in 2011 and the second trial against him was adjourned until August 13th.
Being a conscientious objector is an exercise of a human right which Turkey violates, Murat Kanatli said explaining why this case at ECHR is very important. “Because Turkey is responsible for numerous human rights` violations in the north of Cyprus and the decision taken by the ECHR will contribute to the struggle of Turkish Cypriots in the field of human rights”, he concluded.