Women refuseniks

News in Brief

On 4 May, two Israeli women conscientious objectors were sent back to prison for continuing to refuse military service with the Israeli defence force.

Omri Baranes, 18, and Tair Kaminer, 20, were each sentenced to 30 days. Previously, Omri and Tair had spent seven and 95 days in prison respectively for this offence.

In Israel, military service is compulsory for all citizens over 18, except Arab Israelis, Orthodox women, and people unable to serve for medical reasons. Pacifists can refuse – but must prove that their conscientious objection is not related specifically to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.