We clearly denounce his arrest by the occupation authorities in the northern part of Cyprus.

 

His decision to refuse military service in the occupation army by invoking reasons of consciousness must be respected. Murat Kanatli, human rights and peace activist, is a board member of the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection and has refused since 2009 to participate in the annual compulsory military exercises in the northern part of Cyprus.

 

The GUE/NGL declares its solidarity with Murat Kanatli and all peace-loving forces within the Turkish Cypriot community, and all forces in Cyprus struggling  for rapprochement, the end of the occupation and reunification.