BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan—The Constitutional Chamber of the
Supreme Court of Kyrgyzstan unanimously declared on November 19, 2013,
that the country’s current law on alternative service is unconstitutional and
violates the right of freedom of religion. The Court directed the government to
amend the law to allow for genuine alternative civilian service for those who,
for reasons of conscience, object to military service.
In 2009, Kyrgyzstan adopted a
law that recognized the right to alternative service. However, it became
evident that this service actually fell under military control. Those serving
were placed under the supervision of military personnel, and some were ordered
to make payments in support of military activities. After completion, those who
were in alternative service were automatically enrolled in the reserves of the
armed forces. As a result, Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to accept the
alternative service offered, a stand that prompted several criminal cases
against the Witnesses.
The November ruling recognized
that the Witnesses had valid reasons for rejecting the alternative service
offered to them and were not attempting to evade their civic duty. On the
contrary, the Court found that the Witnesses were willing to perform
alternative service that is civilian in nature. It is expected that all
criminal cases imposed on the Witnesses will be reopened and decided in harmony
with the amended law.
Khamit Iskakov, spokesman for
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kyrgyzstan, states: “In addition to resolving the issue
of conscientious objection to military service, this ruling will be helpful in
further demonstrating to Kyrgyz officials that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a
respected, international religion.”
Media Contact(s):
International:
J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel.
+1 718 560 5000
Kyrgyzstan: Khamit Iskakov, tel.
+996 770 778 885
LEARN MORE AT www.jw.org
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