---------------------------------------------------------------Re: Urgent action: Association of the Greek Conscientious Objectors
From: dimchloe@ath.forthnet.gr
Association of the Greek Conscientious Objectors
Valtetsiou 35
GR-106 82 ATHENS
GREECE
Tel.: +30 1 3813928, Fax: +30 1 3840390
E.mail: dimchloe@ath.forthnet.gr
Athens 30 October 1997
It is rather unusual to ask you for an urgent action in the next 24 hours, if it is possible. Nevertheless, in this case it is necessary. We ask you to send an urgent protesting letter to the greek Minister of National Defence, to avoid the arrest of Lazaros Petromelidis, 37 years old consciencious objector, father of one child.
The Greek Parliament voted, on June 6, the law 2510, according which the right to consciencious objection was recognized also in Greece, and a civilian service was created.
According the clauses of the law, conscientious objectors can apply, since January 1, 1998, for a civilian service.
There is no prevision in the text of the law for an amnesty to all the conscientious objectors proseouted. That means that until December 31, 1997, conscientious objectors can be arrested for Insubordination in period of general mobilization of the armiesy.
On October 27, the Police visit Lazaros Petromelidis at his home in Drapetsona (suburb of Pireas) and tried to arrest him. Fortunately he was absent. They came back early in the morning on Wednesday, 30 but Lazaros Petromelidis was not there.
Since Monday s night he is hidden somewhere in Athens.
We ask you to send, as soon as it is possible, a letter or an E.mail to the Minister of National Defence asking him to suspend all prosecutions pending to conscientious objectors.
Please, send copies of your letters or E.mails to the newspaper ELEFTHEROTYPIAy and to our Association.
Minister of National Defence
Fax: +30 1 6443832
E.mail: minister@mod.gr
ELEFTHEROTYPIAy newspaper
Fax: +30 19028311
E.mail: elef@enet.gr
Association of the Greek Conscientious Objectors
Fax: +30 1 3840390
E.mail: dimchloe@ath.forthnet.gr
For the Association of the Greek CO s
Dimitris Sotiropoulos
