New Law on Alternative Service in Armenia will Extend Deadline for Applications

The Armenian government proposes to amend the law on alternative service to extend the deadline to apply for the right to an alternative to military service. 

First Deputy Minister of Justice Grigor Muradyan, introducing the bill in parliament today, said that the current deadline for alternative service for the spring draft is February, while the bill proposes extending this deadline till May. Also proposed is extending the deadline for applications for the autumn draft from August to October.  

"This amendment is due to the extension of the order of university admission. Thus, those who want to will have enough time to apply to the military commissariats, which will deliver the applications to the commission on alternative service," he said. 

Muradyan recalled that people apply for alternative service on grounds of religious belief that prohibits them from bearing arms. According to the law, commanders of military units and departments of the armed forces,  and other immediate supervisors are prohibited from sending those on alternative service to military departments, giving them orders of a military nature, as well as orders tied to carrying, storing, maintaining, and using arms or ammunition. The commission receives 100 applications for alternative service annually. The term of alternative service is 36 months (compare with military service at 24 months).