Armenia Toughens Penalties for Dodging Military Training

Stricter responsibility is being discussed for evading training gatherings. Criminal liability could reach up to three years of imprisonment. According to MP Armen Khachatryan, a situation should not be created where people choose criminal liability to avoid the gatherings.

Although the approaches differ, both pro-government and opposition MPs agree that the motivation to participate in training gatherings must be increased. In the opinion of MP Gegham Manukyan, an atmosphere should be created where citizens feel pride when participating in the 25-day training gatherings.

These legislative changes clarify the "rules of the game," defining the prohibitions and punishments, while at the same time giving the Military Police greater leverage for control.