According to the Military Court, Ossi refused to obey 4 articles of Turkish law. These are:
1. Desertion
2. Using tricks in order to avoid military service
3. Draft evasion
4. Not surrendering to the unit on time
Contrary to the views of the Military Court, Ossi sees his action as one of a fundamental defense of the basic human values to live. In Ossi's own words: "I took this action as a believe it to be right." We believe that Ossi is now in prison because he could not, and would not. accept the popular propaganda of the Turkish state about military service. This propaganda includes the Turkish state's claims that military service has some sort of value for soldiers; protects the people of Turkey; maintain peace in the country; and so on. These are common double standards of the Turkish - and other - states. Ossi challanged the double standardness of the Turkish state.
Because of this they saw him as a threat and accused him of the offences mentioned above in order to prevent the spead of his actions. However, Ossi's actions have already become an alternative model in the eyes of young people in Turkey who are themselves under the threat of compulsory military service.
The Campaign Against Military Service in Turkey came into existence last year in order to support Osman Murat Ulke. More recently, its aims are widened to campaign against all military action. We have now decided to distribute this leaflet in front of the Turkish Consulate today (1st December 1997) at 12.30 pm. This is in solidarity with the War Resisters of Izmir who will also be carrying out actions in Turkey at the same time. We ask for your support and solidarity as individuals and groups in order to support Ossi.
The Turkish Consulate's address is below. Contact the Consulate demanding the release of Ossi.
THE TURKISH CONSULATE Rutland Lodge Rutland Gardens Knightsbridge London SW7 1BW (nearest tube - Knightbridge)If you want more information about us, our contact address is:
CAMPAIGN AGAINST COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE IN TURKEY c/o P.O. Box 2474 London N8 Phone/Fax: 0181 - 374 50 27*******************************************************
IF YOU GET THIS LEAFLET BEFORE 1ST DECEMBER, PLEASE COME ALONG TO OUR DEMONSTRATION AND HELP DISTRIBUTE IT OUTSIDE THE TURKISH CONSULATE. WE WILL BE THERE FROM 12.30 PM (MIDDAY).