Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Armenians who avoided military service will be allowed to pay a fine and be free from persecution

This will allow young people abroad who are older than 27 years of age to return home

(23.11.2017) Citizens of Armenia who are older than 27 years of age and who have left the country and did not serve in the army will be able to pay a fine within two years time and will be freed from criminal persecution and return home. The sum of the fine will be 200 000 drams or USD 420 for every missed draft period, totaling 3 600 000 drams (USD 7 500) for the entirety of the service term.

Ukraine: Draft evasion and desertion, and the consequences under criminal law

(18.11.2017) It is estimated that hundreds of thousands have refused to be called up, are still living in Ukraine or have fled to neighbouring countries. Desertion and avoiding conscription can attract prison sentences of up to three years according to Articles 335 and 336 of the Criminal Code.

Fleeing ISIS Conscription in Deir Ezzor

Conversation with a draft evader

(06.11.2017) When ISIS ordered the forced conscription of all men of fighting age in Deir Ezzor, Ali knew he had no other choice but to enlist a smuggler and escape the eastern province.

Turkey: New Executive Decree threatens conscientious objectors

(09.10.2017) On 22nd June, the Turkish government issued a new decree law - during the ongoing state of emergency - which allows the immediate conscription of those who were found to be members of, or in relation to, terrorist organisations.