Marios Kounides, a Jehovah’s Witness, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment on 19 January 1993 by Nicosia Military Court for refusing to perform compulsory reservist exercises. He is one of some 10 conscientious objectors, all apparently Jehovah’s Witnesses, currently in prison in Cyprus. AI considers him to be a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate, unconditional release. AI is waiting for the new government, sworn in on 28 February, to make known its position on conscientious objection and on legislation providing for alternative service passed in 1992.
