Armenian parliament OKs bill on draft dodgers
The Armenian National Assembly has approved a bill allowing men who evaded compulsory military service to buy an amnesty.
MPs voted 61 to 27 to pass the draft law in the second reading on Tuesday.
The bill drafted by Hayk Sargsyan, a deputy from the ruling Civil Contract party, will give draft dodgers aged between 27 and 37 several options to avoid criminal prosecution.
They could either perform a two-year service or legally evade it by paying the state 15 million drams.
The options also include military service for shorter periods in exchange for smaller fees.
As many as 5,000 draft dodgers are expected to use these options.