Opportunity to Avoid Criminal Responsibility for Those Who Did Not Serve in the Military: Hovhannes Sarkisyan Explains

“Dear compatriots, I have introduced a draft law that will allow citizens who have reached the age of 27 but have not completed mandatory military service to be exempted from criminal responsibility established by current legislation. They will have the opportunity to do military service or to serve for a reduced term while paying corresponding amounts to the state budget of Armenia,” said Hovhannes Sarkisyan, a member of the Civil Contract faction in the National Assembly, on his Facebook page.

“The draft law provides an opportunity for citizens aged 27 to 37 to: 1) serve in the military for 24 months; 2) serve in the military for 12 months and pay 2.5 million AMD; 3) serve in the military for 6 months and pay 5 million AMD; 4) serve in the military for 1 month and pay 10 million AMD; 5) pay 15 million AMD instead of military service.”

The expected main outcomes from the proposed regulations include: 1) many citizens will return to the homeland; 2) the Armenian Armed Forces will be replenished with repatriated citizens, who will serve in the Armed Forces of Armenia in accordance with the established procedures, taking an oath, and after their service, will be recorded in the reserve; 3) additional financial resources will be allocated to the state budget; 4) costs associated with identifying, criminally prosecuting, convicting, and detaining citizens over 27 who have evaded military service will be saved; 5) the operational burden on the police, investigative committee, prosecutor's office, courts, probation services, and other authorized bodies will be somewhat alleviated; 6) many young people, many with families, will return to the homeland for permanent residence, bringing financial resources accumulated in foreign countries, which will be used for investment, job creation, and new employment opportunities; 7) young people who do not move to Armenia for permanent residence will still frequently visit the homeland as tourists without any obstacles.”

According to Hovhannes Sarkisyan, it is expected that the legislation will strengthen and deepen the multifaceted ties with the Diaspora.