Jehovah’s Witnesses having rejected military service have been released
18:08, December 6, 2013 | News, Other news | Rights of Soldiers/Recruits | Armed ForcesAccording to the press release of the official website of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” organization, for the first time since 1993, there are no Jehovah’s Witnesses imprisoned in Armenia. During that period, over 450 young Witness men have refused to serve in the army. / http://www.jw.org/en/news/by-region/europe/armenia/armenia-releases-imprisoned-jehovahs-witnesses/ /
On May2, 2013, the RA NA adopted the amendments to the law on Alternative service, which mainly comply with the recommendations made by the Venice Commission. As of September, 2013, according to the data provided by “Jehovah’s Witnesses” organization, 99 Jehovah’s Witnesses applied for alternative service, including 21, who had been imprisoned for objection to military service. During November spring call-up, the members of Jehovah’s Witnesses organization will pass on to alternative labor (non-military) service. The applications are being reviewed by the Interagency Republican Committee established to serve for that purpose. Deputy Minister Ara Ghazaryan represents the Ministry of Defense in the Committee. The list of institutions, where they will undergo labor service, has been compiled.
On October 23 and November 12 the Republican Committee discussed and approved the applications of 71 conscripts. The remaining applications are being reviewed by the committee.