Armenia to fine servicemen for disciplinary violations

The Armenian government approved draft changes to the Statute of the Armed Forces and other laws at a meeting on March 9.

According to the draft changes, servicemen will be fined for disciplinary violations in the Armed Forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Up to 30 per cent of the salary for up to three months is planned to be deducted.

According to the current charter of the Armenian Armed Forces, an internal investigation will be conducted in case of disciplinary violations by the officers.

It is proposed to conduct an official investigation in case of the most heinous violations, including unauthorised leaving of the place of service, violation of the rules of combat duty, use of weapons and military equipment, as well as the infliction of bodily harm or causing material damage.

The procedure for conferring the military rank of lieutenant is also specified. It is received by both servicemen who have graduated from a military (including military medical) educational institution, and citizens who have graduated from officer courses. At the same time, courses can be attended while studying at a university (after the end of military service), and during military service (if the conscript already has a higher education).

A number of other changes have also been approved.