> Can't they simply refuse on moral/ethical grounds
Nope. That's a Western thing.
Conscientious objectors are allowed, but then you must work in a jail.
Nope. That's a Western thing.
Conscientious objectors are allowed, but then you must work in a jail.
> In 2021 Europe was not a safe place for many conscientious objectors in several countries who faced prosecution, arrests, trials by military courts, imprisonments, fines, intimidation, attacks, death threats, and discrimination. These countries include Turkey (the only CoE Member State who has not yet recognised the right to conscientious objection)
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/EBCO-HRC50...
I think I remember talking with some Greek person at some point as well, where "conscientious objection" theoretically exists, but the alternative ends up longer than the military service + basically feels like a punishment, rather than an alternative.
Getting too fat would work if you find a doctor to write a paper and you will get away with it during peace time.
> I think I remember talking with some Greek person at some point as well, where "conscientious objection" theoretically exists, but the alternative ends up longer than the military service + basically feels like a punishment, rather than an alternative.
Same in Israel and South Korea
the Amish, for example, don't get drafted. same with priests, or folks who can demonstrate a long history of attending Quaker services, or membership in the Humanist league, etc.