The Russian State Duma passed in the first reading an Alternative Military Service draft law proposed by the government. Two alternative drafts proposed by the deputies were rejected. The version of the draft law that was proposed by government sets the term of service to 4 years (normal military service is 2 years). It also requires that the draftee proves that he should be provided with the right for alternative service. (30-APR-2002)
Mr. A. Pochinok, the minister who presented the draft to the Duma, said that young people who choose alternative service would work in social and health services, rescue teams, etc. They would be allowed to serve in the area they live and they can study in long-distance or evening departments on higher education institutions.
In an interview with RTR TV Mr. Pochinok stated that teachers and doctors could serve in village schools and hospitals where there is shortage of qualified specialists.
Deputies who voted for a more liberal draft law (such as Yabloko and the Union of Right Forces) intend to press for amendments.
According to deputy head of army headquarters Vladislav Putilin, this spring´s draft would conscript only about 162,000 young people, which is 10-11% of all persons liable for military service. This number declines with each year: 27% eight years ago, and 17% – three years ago.
The main reason for unwillingness to serve in the army – is widespread “non-statutory relations” – the practice of “dedovschina”, the violent, sometimes fatal hazing of new junior recruits for the armed services which continued during the year. This type of mistreatment often resulted in permanent injuries or deaths among servicemen. Soldiers often do not report hazing to either unit officers or military procurators due to fear of reprisals, since officers in some cases tolerate or even encourage such hazing as a means of controlling their units. Officers commonly use beatings to discipline soldiers whom they find to be “inattentive to their duties.” This tendency is attributed to stressful conditions throughout the armed forces – for example, degrading and substandard living conditions.
Source: Russian Human Rights Network (Russian language)
