Family in Russia’s Irkutsk region accuses police of plying a 54-year-old man with alcohol and forcing him to sign papers for military service in Ukraine

A family from Irkutsk, Russia has accused local police of forcing a 54-year-old man, Vladimir Shch., to sign papers for military service in Ukraine. The incident occurred on September 20. Neighbors reported the police were called to Vladimir's apartment, leading to his forcible removal to a military enlistment office. Police allegedly kept him there overnight, offering him alcohol and forcing him to sign the military service contract.

Upon his return the next day, he was taken to the enlistment office and forced to sign again. It is believed Vladimir, who has poor eyesight, was denied his glasses, preventing him from reading the contract. After a medical examination, he was allowed outside for a cigarette. His wife, upon arriving at the office, was told she was preventing him from signing the contract.

Vladimir's documents were returned, but police reportedly waited outside his home later, claiming Vladimir was now "on the hook." The family also claims at least 17 men were taken to the Ust-Kut military enlistment office over the past two weeks. The family's daughter suggested police receive cash for helping sign people up for military service, though she provided no evidence.