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Mushfig Mammadov and Others v. Azerbaijan, Nos. 14604/08 and other 3, ECtHR (Fifth Section), 17 January 2020

Abstract

Conscientious objection to military service in Azerbaijan. Access to alternative civilian service by all conscientious objectors. Alternative civilian service reserved to the clergy and to the students of religious seminars.

Normative references

Art. 9 ECHR 

Ruling

Reserving the right to conscientious objection to those who fulfil an ecclesiastical office and to students of religious seminars violates Art. 9 CEDU: thus, the right to conscientious objection would emptied of much of its substance.  
(The applicants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, object to the compulsory military service on religious reasons).