Russian courts cite school safety coursework to deny conscripts alternative civilian service

Draft boards and courts are increasingly citing a school subject called OBZh (now renamed OBZR) as grounds to turn down conscripts who want to do alternative civilian service instead of military service, according to Artem Klyga, head of the legal department at the Conscientious Objectors Movement.

“Courts cite excellent grades in OBZh/OBZR — including on the topic ‘Conscription for Military Service’ — as evidence that a person does not hold beliefs [that conflict with bearing arms or military service]. But a grade in the subject primarily shows knowledge of the material, not a person’s worldview,” Klyga said.

He said court rulings also cite character references from schools and colleges, which now include a stock phrase: “Did not demonstrate consistent pacifist beliefs.” “A reference like that kills any chance of replacing military service with alternative civilian service,” he said.

Students can opt out of the basic military training taught in the OBZR course. To do so, their parents need to send the head of their school or college a written request citing the constitutional provision on freedom of conscience. Klyga said the request should seek an exemption not from OBZR as a whole but from shooting practice and from handling weapons and mock weapons.