A solidarity event in support on Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Mustafa Hurben was set to take place on Saturday at the Ledra St crossing point in Nicosia.
“By refusing to enlist in the armed forces, he is putting his personal freedom at risk as he is being prosecuted by the military court with the risk of imprisonment because of his clear position for a demilitarised Cyprus,” organisers said.
Hurben refuses to participate in a possible military conflict between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
“The hostile approach taken by the authorities on both sides of the island, the lack of cooperation and the intense militarisation of the island cannot offer a sustainable future for Cyprus, both in terms of peaceful coexistence between the communities on the island and for the people of the wider region.”
Organisers called “call on all people who choose the path of peace and cooperation to come to the barrier of Ledra on Saturday at 11:30am to shout against militarism and nationalism and to express our support for Mustafa.”