Soldiers in Armenia face disciplinary action for smartphone use
A group of Armenian conscripts and contract soldiers are facing disciplinary action for using smartphones during service.
Armenia’s Military Police has repeatedly warned military personnel against using prohibited items, particularly smartphones.
In a statement on Friday, the Defense Ministry said despite the warnings, military police officers continue finding smartphones and other banned items carried by soldiers doing their regular checks.
"In order to enhance discipline and ensure safety in the army, we once again urge parents and friends of military personnel not to pass smartphones and prohibited items to soldiers," it stressed.
The Defense Ministry said that the cellphones found on soldiers will be returned to them only after the completion of their service.
It said some conscripts and contract servicemen were brought to disciplinary responsibility after they used smartphones and uploaded photos of their daily military service on the Internet in violation of the military order.
The Defense Ministry says it will continue efforts to eliminate such cases in the future and will hold the violators accountable.