0
A woman from Kainuu, in northeast Finland, could face prison time for her decision to leave the military. The Union of Conscientious Objectors says the case is the first of its kind in Finland.
The woman voluntarily enlisted in the military, however, she later decided to quit. She claims she made her decision because Finland’s Defense Forces trample on basic human rights. The woman says the Defense Forces did not provide her with a necessary operation for an injury which worsened during her service. The surgery was also delayed once she was a civilian.
She now says she does not even want to carry out civil service.
The woman was a corporal in the military. She had served 11 months in the military when she quit last year.
In Finland, a woman has 45 days to quit the military once she joins. Following service, women are transferred to the reserves and can be required to attend military refresher courses just like their male peers.
Finnish men are required to serve in the military or carry out civil service once they turn 18. Women have been allowed to join the military on a voluntary basis since 1995.
Link.
Bookmarks