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Armenian officials warn of compulsory military service for citizens ‘bribed’ to fly in from Russia and vote in weekend parliamentary election

Source: News.am

Armenia’s government has warned that citizens who travel from Russia to vote in the parliamentary elections “for bribes” will be sent to 25-day military training exercises.

Taron Chakhoyan, deputy chief of the prime minister’s office, posted the warning on his Facebook page on June 3, adding that those who refuse will face criminal prosecution.

Economy Minister and deputy chairman of the ruling Civil Contract party Gevorg Papoyan made a similar statement, DW reported.

The news outlet News.am reported on June 4 that military police were checking men who arrived at Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan and handing them military summonses. Military police confirmed that they had assisted military commissariats in registering military-age citizens, calling them up for mandatory military service, and involving them in reservist training activities.

The news agency Reuters reported in late May that Russian officials had discussed a plan to send Armenian citizens living in Russia back home to vote against incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the parliamentary elections. In the video, Chakhoyan said Russian authorities were organizing votes “for bribes” in favor of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, who has close ties to Russia.

Armenia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7. Amid preparations for the vote, Russia has banned imports of several goods from Armenia, including flowers, Jermuk mineral water, vegetables, greens, peaches, strawberries, apples, fish, and dried fruits.

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