The First Section ECtHR has today held unanimously that the refusal of the Greek authorities to allow the applicant, Mr Papavasilakis, to perform alternative civilian work instead of compulsory military service had violated his rights under Article 9 ECHR (thought, conscience and religion).

Background

In January 2013 Mr Papavasilakis asked if he could carry out alternative civilian work instead of compulsory military service because he was a conscientious objector. He appeared before the Greek Army’s Special Commission to explain his request, referring in particular to the religious education he had received from his mother, a Jehovah’s Witness, and his rejection of war, violence or destruction in all its forms. Continue reading →