Moldova: Information on any known cases of conscientious objectors to military service being prosecuted and if so, whether they are being represented by a lawyer; information on the penalties for evasion of service
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | MDA14500 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Moldova: Information on any known cases of conscientious objectors to military service being prosecuted and if so, whether they are being represented by a lawyer; information on the penalties for evasion of service, 1 June 1993, MDA14500, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abb984.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Conscientious objection is permitted under the regulations of the Alternative Service Act of Moldova, a copy of which is available at your Regional Documentation Centre. A representative of Amnesty International and a correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty were unaware of any cases going before the courts, although the representative from Amnesty International added that this does not mean it is not happening (17 June 1993). The correspondent for RFE/RL added that he does not think charges of evasion of duty would ever make it before the courts (17 June 1993).
The RFE/RL correspondent stated that the law on alternative service was passed in 1991, when Moldova was still part of the USSR, and it was designed to provide Moldovans with easy options for avoiding military service in the Soviet Army (Ibid.). The legislation is now being used by people wishing to avoid serving in the Moldovan Army (Ibid.). An Amnesty International report stated that the number of conscripts eligible for alternative service would be reduced to 5% of total conscripts (June 1992, 57), but the Amnesty International representative said efforts to confirm this happening have been unsuccessful (17 June 1993).
According to the correspondent from RFE/RL, there are numerous ways to avoid performing military service (22 June 1993). The chaotic situation in the country and popular and bureaucratic mentalities make it very easy for people to avoid military service (Ibid.).
Rossiskaya Gazeta reported that the penalty for evasion of military duty is a prison term of between six months and five years (6 May 1992). Other reports claim that draft evaders are not being prosecuted (Pravda 13 May 1992; Itar-Tass 14 May 1992). One report claims that deserters have been returned to their units but not prosecuted, although one such recruit was reportedly given "a good beating" by his brother (Itar-Tass 13 May 1992).
Additional or corroborative information on the above subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB.
References
Amnesty International, London. 17 June 1993. Telephone interview with representative.
. June 1992. Concerns in Europe, November 1991-April 1992. (AI Index: EUR 01/03/92). London: Amnesty International Publications.
Correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Munich. 17 June 1993. Telephone interview.
Correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Munich. 22 June 1993. Telephone interview.
Itar-Tass [Moscow, in English]. 14 May 1992. "More Recruits Desert Moldovan National Army." (FBIS-SOV-92-096 18 May 1992, p. 46)
Pravda [Moscow, in Russian]. 13 May 1992. "Recruitment for Army Proving 'Very Difficult'." (FBIS-SOV-92-096 18 May 1992, p. 46)
Rossiskaya Gazeta [Moscow, in Russian]. 6 May 1992. "Moldova Begins Draft into National Army." (FBIS-SOV-92-089 7 May 1992, p. 49)
Attachments
Amnesty International. June 1992. Concerns in Europe, November 1991-April 1992. (AI Index: EUR 01/03/92). London: Amnesty International Publications.
Itar-Tass [Moscow, in English]. 14 May 1992. "More Recruits Desert Moldovan National Army." (FBIS-SOV-92-096 18 May 1992, p. 46)
Pravda [Moscow, in Russian]. 13 May 1992. "Recruitment for Army Proving 'Very Difficult'." (FBIS-SOV-92-096 18 May 1992, p. 46)
Rossiskaya Gazeta [Moscow, in Russian]. 6 May 1992. "Moldova Begins Draft into National Army." (FBIS-SOV-92-089 7 May 1992, p. 49)
