Armenia introduces strict jail terms for those avoiding military training

Armenia is set to introduce strict penalties for individuals who attempt to evade participation in mandatory military training camps, following a decision made by the government on May 15.

The move comes in response to growing concerns over citizens using fraudulent means to avoid their military obligations, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

The country's Defence Ministry proposed several amendments to existing legislation, which will soon be submitted to parliament for further discussion. The new measures aim to address various forms of evasion, including self-inflicted injuries, feigned illnesses, document forgery, and other fraudulent tactics commonly used to bypass training.

The draft resolution outlines severe consequences for evaders. Those found guilty of evading participation in training camps will face a fine up to twenty times their monthly salary or imprisonment ranging from two months to three years. In cases where the evader intentionally harms themselves, falsifies medical records, or uses forged documents, the punishment will be even more stringent, with prison sentences of up to five years.

However, citizens who voluntarily appear and take part in the training camps will be exempt from criminal liability, offering an incentive for compliance.

To ensure more effective enforcement of these measures, the decree also calls for greater collaboration between military police and military commissions. The aim is to improve the efficiency of conscription, citizen military registration, and training camps that prepare the reserve forces for national defence.

By Vafa Guliyeva