Lawyers comment on prospects for alternative service for residents of Northern Caucasus

Amid the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine, Northern Caucasus faces a growing demand for an alternative military service. A mobilized person can be sent to the rear if he categorically refuses to take up arms, Artyom Mugunyants, a lawyer, has explained.

The clergymen’s participation in recruiting and pressure on relatives have effectively excluded the option of alternative service for residents of Chechnya, but in Ingushetia it is possible amid the different positions of religious figures, Musa T., a lawyer, has noted.

According to his version, an alternative civilian service was unpopular, as young people were afraid that they could be blamed for cowardice, but now many are ready to go to an alternative service.

Murat D. is one of those who are ready to go to an alternative service. He has noted that he doesn’t want to go to Ukraine. "I am a believer and I cannot take part in hostilities in Ukraine primarily because of my religious beliefs," he said. However, he does not refuse to serve in the army.

Magomed Mutsolgov, a human rights defender, believes that if a person fails to avoid mobilization, he has the right to choose an alternative civilian service instead of participating in the SMO.

According to Musa Abadiev, the head of the Association of Muslims of Ingushetia, the majority of Muslim scholars believe that jihad is an obligation on Muslims to repel aggression.