Work in fields or join army: Belarus unveils new pressure tactic
Photo: Belarusian military personnel (Getty Images)
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has ordered that "slackers" be sent to the army. The Belarusian Defense Ministry has already come up with a way to implement the plan, according to Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, BelTA reports.
Khrenin stressed that the goal is not to take anyone in for "re-education." According to him, "slackers" will be sent to the army in order to "improve the combat training of our people."
He also said he had proposed involving military enlistment officers in the regions to carry out the dictator's directive.
"I reported on how the head of state's instruction will be implemented. Military enlistment officers will now be involved in this work. In the near future, they will hold joint meetings with local authorities and determine the sequence of actions," Khrenin said.
He added that military enlistment officers "will not sit in their offices" but will travel to agricultural enterprises and fields, coordinate with local management, and provide assistance and support.
"And those who refuse to work altogether will be called up for military training, where we will improve their combat skills, as the president demanded," Khrenin emphasized.
Background
Yesterday, Alexander Lukashenko began threatening Belarusians with forced transfers from civilian life into military service. He said there are several "offenses" for which citizens could end up in the armed forces.
In particular, people who fail to fulfill their duties or violate labor discipline during the harvest season could be sent for military service. Lukashenko noted that this would apply not only to ordinary workers but also to officials at all levels
