More than 35 opposition activists were called to military enlistment offices
- 2.05.2008, 10:18
More than 35 opposition activists from Minsk and regions were called to military enlistment offices in April.
Half colonel Andre Karasyou, head of the drafting department at the Maskouski district military enlistment office, complains that “this year the military enlistment office sent more than 60 personal files to the Maskouski district prosecutor’s office.” According to him, criminal cases were instituted against 48 people. 24 of them have already carried the punishment – from fine to 6-month arrest. 124 draftees were fined for failure to appear in military offices, Bulletinonline writes.
The Ministry of Defence of Belarus doesn’t spread data on the total number of the so called draft dodges. Major general Ihar Hlod, head of the main organization-mobilization department, says now the local authorities are responsible for drafting. According to the general, local officials appoint their representative to head a drafting committee. Officials order militiamen to catch draft dodges. The draft age men are summoned to courts and fined at the place of residence.
Why is in the same state one agency responsible for drafting, and another agency – for drilling troops?
Retired half colonel Mikola Statkevich, Belarusian politician, thinks these functions were divided to increase role of army.
Statkevich refers to forced keeping Zmitser Zhaleznichenka in the army. Mikola Statkevich says this A- student of the mathematical faculty of Homel State University was drafted to the military service not only contrary to his wish but also in violation of the Law. When the draftee and his family went to court, they faced absurdity - the district commission was dismissed till the next call-up time, and the Ministry of Defence said this question was beyond its competence!
It has been the fifth month since Zmitser Zhaleznichenka begun to wear tarpaulin boots in the railway troops unit in Zhlobin. In the meanwhile in April more than 35 opposition activists received call-up notices from military enlistment offices in Minsk and regions. Articles of the Criminal Code for dodging were brought to everyone’s information.
By the way, dodges are now included into the list of people, restricted to travel abroad. They will not be allowed to travel abroad until they settle the problem with the military office.