Bright Armenia (Lusavor Hayastan) MP Edmon Marukyan has proposed that the government issue an amnesty for a segment of Armenian citizens who avoided the military draft and now face arrest upon their return to Armenia.

Marukyan’s proposed amnesty would cover those individuals who now over the age of 27.

"About a month ago, Bright Armenia petitioned the government to grant amnesty to 27-year-old Armenian citizens who have not served, are wanted and cannot return to Armenia," he said at the parliament today.

A law allowing such individuals to pay a fine for avoiding military service, and thus be able to return to Armenia without facing criminal prosecution, has expired.

 Marukyan said that his proposal has been criticized by many as giving these indivduals a convenient pass but insisted that while avoiding military service is a crime the government must find other ways for its citizens to return and not face prison time.

Marukyan said that many such citizens have contacted him of late, saying that they cannot return to Armenia.

The MP said that declaring amnesty to about 3500 citizens would facilitate their return.