KOREA OKAYS RELEASE OF 57 JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ON PAROLE

SEOUL, South Korea – The Republic of Korea will on Friday, November 30 release all 57 of 64 brothers who have been imprisoned for objecting to compulsory enrollment in military service.

Those to be released are all conscientious objectors who have served at least one third of their 18-month prison sentence.
“The early release of our brothers’ follows the landmark Supreme Court decision on November 1, 2018, which recognized that conscientious objection is “justifiable grounds” for refraining from military enlistment”, the JWs said on their official website, jw.org

See full statement below:

BREAKING NEWS | Korea Decides on Early Release of Conscientious Objectors in Prison

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The Ministry of Justice has stated that on Friday, November 30, 2018, all conscientious objectors who have served at least one third of their 18-month prison sentence will be released on parole. Therefore, 57 of the 64 brothers currently imprisoned should be released. We expect the remaining seven brothers to be released once they have served six months of their sentence.

The early release of our brothers follows the landmark Supreme Court decision on November 1, 2018, which recognized that conscientious objection is “justifiable grounds” for refraining from military enlistment.

We give thanks to our God who has given our brothers the strength to act in harmony with their Christian conscience.—1 Timothy 3:9.