Osman Murat Ülke, one of Turkey’s first conscientious objectors, was summoned to the military branch for the third time in a year. Upon Ülke’s application, the ECtHR ruled in 2006 that Ülke’s situation amounted to “civilian death” under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. However, despite paying compensation, Turkey did not rectify Ülke’s legal status.
Since 2007, the case has been monitored by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe under the “qualified monitoring” procedure, and Ülke remains a “fugitive”. His application to the Constitutional Court has been pending since 2014.
Ülke, who was summoned to the military service branch by the Ministry of National Defense via SMS notifications sent on April 2, 2024, August 7, 2024 and April 9, 2025, objected to the notifications. Only the first objection was responded to, stating that exemption from military service on the grounds of “conscientious objection” is not included in the legal regulations. Subsequent objections were not responded to.
Rights violations continue as the state does not recognize the right to conscientious objection and does not offer an alternative solution for the country.
May 29, 2025
Vicdani Ret Derneği