Omri Evron
18th November 2006, 11:35
Hey comrades, I just got released from the IDF military prison, after spending the last few weeks there. I was imprisoned because of my conscientious objection to join the IDF: http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php...topic=57376&hl= (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?showtopic=57376&hl=)
I just wanted to update U all, and share a bit of what I've experienced. On Oct. 15th, after holding demonstrations in front of the PM's house and the conscription center, I was court-martialed by some general and sentenced to two weeks in military prison because I refused to be drafted to the IDF. In the military prison ("Prison 4") I refused to wear military uniform- so I was sent into the "solitary confinement" wing. I started arguing with the officers who understood I was a political prisoner- and then they took my pants! I had to stay in the cell for three days in my underwear until the intervention of my lawyer. Anyway, I spent all the two weeks in the solitary confinement wing, then I got out to spend a few days with my family and friends, and then I came back to the conscription center and was sentenced for another two weeks. During that time the army officers tried to break me in various ways, but I was strengthened because I knew I was loyal to my beliefs and conscience.
I was also very satisfied with the political affect of my refusal- It got a lot of coverage in much of the mainstream media in Israel, like: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3316237,00.html
I also saw that my message has reached many across the world, and I thank the people on this board that helped to spread the message. ;)
So anyway, I am on my way to be released for good from the IDF. This was not an easy experience, but I feel strengthened by it, and by viewing what the IDF has done in Gaza while I was in prison, I couldn't be anything but proud of my choice to refuse.
But anyway, this is just part of the struggle for peace freedom & equality, and I am glad to think that I gave my small contribution to that struggle.
Solidarity comrades!
I just wanted to update U all, and share a bit of what I've experienced. On Oct. 15th, after holding demonstrations in front of the PM's house and the conscription center, I was court-martialed by some general and sentenced to two weeks in military prison because I refused to be drafted to the IDF. In the military prison ("Prison 4") I refused to wear military uniform- so I was sent into the "solitary confinement" wing. I started arguing with the officers who understood I was a political prisoner- and then they took my pants! I had to stay in the cell for three days in my underwear until the intervention of my lawyer. Anyway, I spent all the two weeks in the solitary confinement wing, then I got out to spend a few days with my family and friends, and then I came back to the conscription center and was sentenced for another two weeks. During that time the army officers tried to break me in various ways, but I was strengthened because I knew I was loyal to my beliefs and conscience.
I was also very satisfied with the political affect of my refusal- It got a lot of coverage in much of the mainstream media in Israel, like: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3316237,00.html
I also saw that my message has reached many across the world, and I thank the people on this board that helped to spread the message. ;)
So anyway, I am on my way to be released for good from the IDF. This was not an easy experience, but I feel strengthened by it, and by viewing what the IDF has done in Gaza while I was in prison, I couldn't be anything but proud of my choice to refuse.
But anyway, this is just part of the struggle for peace freedom & equality, and I am glad to think that I gave my small contribution to that struggle.
Solidarity comrades!