The decision not to extend further processing of the established procedure of the RA “Law on citizens who failed to complete compulsory military service through violation of the established procedure” and its legal and economic impact

Abstract

According to the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter the RA) Law on Military Service and the Status of a Serviceman, compulsory military service is the basic form of the constitutional obligation of citizens of the Republic of Armenia to participate in the defense of the country. According to the law, the term of service of ordinary personnel is 24 months. The maximum age limit to perform a compulsory military system is 27 year old for the RA citizens. If someone fails to implement his obligations, then a criminal case is instituted in Armenia and that person is wanted under the Armenian legislation. If someone is 27 or older, and has not served in the Armenian army, then ''The Law of the Republic of Armenia on citizens who failed to complete compulsory military service through violation of the established procedure (hereinafter the law)'' shall be applicable. Such citizens qualify for exemption from compulsory military service or will be granted an extension in conformity with the established procedure if they are over 27 years of age, paying a unilateral fine of 3.600.000 AMD (G4eneral procedure). There are other options also applicable per the regulations of the same law. However, the above-mentioned Law was valid until 31 December 2019 year and the extension of the law will not be processed further. Thus any citizen 27old or older should have applied for this procedure by 31 December 2019. The RA national Assembly decided not to precede this timeframe further. If this situation continues further, it will have consequences to the number of people who would have an opportunity to pay the above-mentioned fee and not be subject to criminal prosecution. The decision not to extend further processing of the law will have legal and economic impacts for the country and for the people who will be affected. Taking into consideration that there is a shortage in research connected to assessment of the legal and economic costs of the decision not to extend the timeframe of the law this paper is set out to analyze this decision and its legal and economic consequences.