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TORTURED ACTIVIST SEEKS ASYLUM IN GERMANY
September 14, 2000
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of Mr. Bojan Aleksov to recommend that he be granted political asylum in Germany as quickly as possible.
Mr. Aleksov is a citizen of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. He has been involved in the peace movement in that country since 1991 and is a conscientious objector and deserter of the Yugoslav army. Mr. Aleksov has been involved with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) since August 1999. AFSC provided modest financial and logistical support for the safe house Mr. Aleksov coordinated in Budapest for deserters and conscientious objectors who escaped from Serbia during the NATO bombing. AFSC also drew upon his expertise and intimate knowledge of the Serbian peace movement.
Based upon his political views and his refusal to serve in the military, Mr. Aleksov has endured extreme persecution from the Yugoslav government. Recently he was humiliated, kidnapped and tortured by the authorities and only by good fortune managed to escape to Berlin. It is clear that if Mr. Aleksov returns to the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, his life will undoubtedly be at risk.
In light of these events and in recognition of the brutal methodology of the Milosevic regime against its enemies, the American Friends Service Committee strongly implores the German government to grant Mr. Aleksov political asylum at the earliest possible date.
I would be happy to answer any questions regarding Mr. Aleksov and can be reached at (215) 241-7188. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael Simmons
Director of European Programs