Možemo! asks Constitutional Court to review defence law over “discriminatory” objection clause

The Možemo! party has asked the Constitutional Court to review defense legislation, arguing that the conscientious objection clause in the Defense Act is discriminatory, party leaders said on Sunday.

Možemo! MP Marin Živković said the law strongly incentivizes recruits called up for basic training to choose military service by making it shorter, offering better pay, and giving priority in government hiring.

“People who oppose this on moral grounds have no appropriate way to express that choice. The system is so heavily weighted that young people are effectively discouraged from objecting, regardless of their beliefs,” Živković said.

He argued that the key difference between civilian and military service is the carrying of weapons, which is the sole basis for conscientious objection. Given that government data shows most men are willing to undergo regular military service, such deterrent measures are unnecessary and violate the principle of proportionality, he added.

Živković also said the current framework is unconstitutional because conscientious objection is treated inconsistently compared to other sectors, such as healthcare, where it can be exercised more freely and without disincentives.