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

Draft boards and courts in Russia are increasingly refusing to grant conscripts an alternative to military service, citing their strong performance in a school course called OBZh, now known as OBZR, according to Artem Klyga, head of the legal department at the Conscientious Objectors Movement. Klyga explained that courts view excellent grades in OBZR, particularly in the section on conscription for military service, as evidence of a person's lack of beliefs conflicting with bearing arms or military service.

However, Klyga pointed out that these grades merely reflect knowledge of the material, not the individual's worldview. Additionally, school and college reference letters often include a standard phrase: "Did not demonstrate consistent pacifist beliefs," which can disqualify the individual from civilian service. Students have the option to avoid basic military training taught in the OBZR course; their parents must submit a written request to the school or college head, referencing the constitutional provision on freedom of conscience, seeking an exemption not from the entire OBZR curriculum but from shooting practice and handling weapons.