Although Greece recognises the right to conscientious objection and makes the provision for substitute service, there remain several problems and discriminatory practices against conscientious objectors and the provision of substitute service is riddled with complications and thus further discriminates against COs.
- Length of substitute service is discriminatory and punitive.
- Greek CO law excludes whole groups from applying for CO status. There is no case by case decision and the capacity to change one's convictions is not taken into account.
- Conscientious objectors should have the right to claim conscientious objector status at any time, both up to and after entering the armed forces.
- Bureaucratic procedures prevent people from exercising their right to CO.
- Substitute service must be under civilian authority and not under military authority (Ministry of Defence) - including in the examinations of applications for conscientious objection.
- The provision of substitute service must never be derogated from, including in time of war.
- Under present procedures, COs are tried more than once for the same offence.
Conscientious objectors who carry out trade unionist activities or participate in a strike during their substitute service can have their CO status revoked.
- Conscientious objectors (with legal proceedings against them) must recover their full civil and personal rights, including that of travel outside the country, the right to a passport and identity card, and the right to vote.
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