Criminal proceedings have been instituted against a 22-year-old resident of Zafarobod district, Sughd province for refusing to serve in the army.

The Interior Ministry’s press center says police investigations revealed that the young man evaded compulsory military service.

"He did not appear at the military registration and enlistment office in the fall of 2024, citing a refusal to serve, and left for Russia," the ministry stated.

He faces charges under Article 343 (1) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code – evasion of military service, which could result in a substantial fine (up to 72,000 somonis) or up to two years in prison.

It is not disclosed whether he has been placed on the wanted list.

Many young men in Tajikistan try to avoid conscription.  One reason is that, as in many former Soviet countries, the Tajik Army is known for the brutal hazing of new recruits. 

Potential recruits also fear being deployed to conflict zones.  Several soldiers were killed or wounded in recurring clashes along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border in recent years.

There are also overwhelming claims that the rich and powerful use their clout to get their sons out of military service -- leading to beliefs that conscription is only for the poor.  To avoid the army, many conscript-aged men move to Russia during the twice-a-year drafts in the spring and fall.  Some bribe doctors and enlistment officials to secure an exemption on medical grounds.