DRAFT dodgers and conscientious objectors service have been hit hard by news that they will have to do 30 months’ community service if they do not enlist into the army.
On June 20, the House Defence Committee unveiled a new bill aimed at putting the squeeze on those wanting to get out of the army usually by means of a questionable psychiatric evaluation. The bill was passed last night, by 28 votes to 11.
The new legislation means those soldiers who are normally exempt from National Guard duty on grounds they are mentally unfit for service will be compelled to carry out community service (for example administrative work at ministries or municipal councils) for a period of 30 months.
Commenting on the new bill – which will be enforced with immediate effect – Defence Minister Christodoulos Pashiardes said he was satisfied with the vote, explaining that a clampdown can now be made on draft dodgers.
“Although some may think it is not the perfect tool, it is definitely an effective step towards overcoming the situation which cannot be allowed to continue,” he told reporters.
His views were echoed by EDEK leader Yiannakis Omirou, who said: “We want to send out the message to all those seeking to escape the army with questionable psychological problems that it will not be tolerated any more.”
During earlier debate at the house, former Defence Minister Socrates Hasikos said tougher “lie-detector procedures” – a panel of doctors examining whether an applicant is mentally unfit – would ultimately fail to stop draft dodgers.
Instead of a deterrent, he suggested an incentive – slashing the duration of military service.
Yesterday, Hasikos again voiced his disapproval, saying national service should be reduced to 14 months.
One man who has evaded the army and wishes to remain anonymous yesterday told the Cyprus Mail that he was not surprised so many people were trying to dodge the draft.
“I was born in England, have lived there 30 years and also have a British passport. But just because my father is Cypriot doesn’t mean that I should be dragged into the army… I feel it is against my human rights to be forced to enlist against my will,” he said.
“I feel the time you have to do in the army or the community service is too long. My cousin was forced to do the army and said it was one of the worst experiences of his life which should be avoided at all costs.”
Under a previous proposal, soldiers exempt as mentally unfit would have had their health reasons listed on their discharge papers, making it difficult for them to apply for work or to receive driving licences.
The bill was part of a broader effort to tackle the growing trend of soldiers evading National Guard service by falsely claiming psychological conditions.
The number of conscripts and reservists exempted on psychological grounds each year may be as high as 1,000. It is believed the vast majority are merely feigning illness to avoid doing the 25 months in the army.
