VIDEO: "Do You forgive desertion for money?" - Debate among ruling party MPs

Member of Parliament Vilen Gabrielyan from the ruling Civil Contract faction is opposed to a bill proposed by his fellow party member Hayk Sargsyan, which suggests allowing individuals to be exempted from military service in exchange for money. During a meeting of the National Assembly's Defense and Security Committee, he strongly objected to the last provision of the changes, which allows for a payment of 15 million drams to the state budget in lieu of military service and grants immunity from criminal liability.

"I cannot vote in favor of that provision. It ends up implying that we forgive a deserter, someone who has avoided service, simply for money. In other instances, I see no issue, but I have serious concerns about paying money for not serving even a single day," said Gabrielyan.

Bill author Hayk Sargsyan reassured that his colleague would be obliged to vote in favor after clarifications. "You voted in favor of the law on amnesty, which granted 1,360 citizens the chance not to serve a single day and to be released from criminal liability without paying any money. During 2011-2019, about 50,000 citizens did not serve in the Armed Forces due to health issues or other pretenses. In the same period, around 10,000 citizens did not serve due to various other problems. Additionally, 2,265 citizens also did not serve after receiving permission to study at foreign universities. None of them paid money to the state budget in lieu of their service," Sargsyan stated, noting that at present, more than 5,000 youths over the age of 27 in Armenia, who have two children or health issues, remain.

He emphasized that only about 1% of those who did not serve in the military have been convicted.

Vilen Gabrielyan responded to his colleague, stating that he was not a member of parliament during the proposed changes to the amnesty law because that took place in the 7th session of the National Assembly. He then stressed that if he had been a member, he certainly would not have voted in favor of that bill.

It should be noted that according to the current law, a citizen who has not completed mandatory military service after turning 27 cannot be drafted, as their age exceeds the age limit for mandatory military service. If a citizen presents themselves after turning 27, only one option applies – imprisonment.