DEFENSE/Taiwan to review handling of religious objections to reserve duty

Taipei, Feb. 23 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Sunday pledged to study the recommendations of a human rights commission following the prosecution of a man who refused to show up for reserve duty after becoming a Jehovah's Witness.

The ministry's comments came in response to a report the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) published Thursday on the issue of people being prosecuted for refusing such call-ups on religious grounds.

The commission said its investigation had been prompted by a man, identified by the pseudonym "A," who was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness sometime after completing his mandatory military service.

In keeping with that denomination's opposition to military service, "A" failed to show up when he was called for reserve duty -- an act for which he was later prosecuted.

In his trial, "A" was initially sentenced to two months in prison, though the penalty was ultimately ordered suspended for two years on appeal, according to the report.

"A," nevertheless, argued that Taiwan's current conscription regulations violate the Republic of China (Taiwan) Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Taiwan's Legislature ratified in 2009.

He filed a complaint to the NHRC in February 2023, prompting the commission to launch an investigation last year that culminated in the report published on Thursday.

In its recommendations, the commission noted that while Taiwan has an alternative service option for military conscripts, it lacks such a program for people serving in reserve duty.

To protect the religious freedom of reserve soldiers, the MND should create a "non-military" reserve duty option for conscientious objectors, as well as a program for reviewing the validity of such claims, the commission said.

Asked about the report, an MND spokesperson told CNA Sunday that the ministry "respects" freedom of religious beliefs and personal conscience, and handles the recruitment of reserve soldiers in accordance with the law.

"Considering that national security is the common responsibility of all citizens, the MND will carefully consider relevant suggestions on balancing national security and personal rights and interests," the ministry said.

In Taiwan, men are typically called up for reserve duty for 5-7 days or 14 days every two years in the 12 years after completing their mandatory military service.