Doc. 9580

14 October 2002

Conscientious objection in Greece and Finland

Written Question No. 417 to the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers

by Lord Russell-Johnston

Lord Russell-Johnston,

To ask the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers,

If she is aware that in two member states the law is very oppressive in respect of those who object to military service for reasons of conscience:

a. in respect of Greece, while alternative service is provided for it last 36 months instead of the 18 months required for military service, which is punitive.

b. in respect of Finland, military service lasts for 180 days (6 months) but alternative service for 395 days (13 months), which is even more oppressive¹.

What action does the Committee of Ministers propose to persuade these two countries to adopt fairer legislation?

Signed : ²

Lord Russell-Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

¹ . See PR\466018EN.doc - 33/70 - PE 311.039 citant AI, Concerns 2002, p. 101.)

² . LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group.