by Ivan Maksimov

Moskovskij Komsomolec, May 15, 1996, page 2

After three days of stormy sessions, the court of Noginsk city passed the justification verdict to the 18-years old draftee Vadim Hesse. The local prosecutor tried to "attach" him the prison term for his demand to substitute military service to the alternative civilian service. Such a right is unconditionally guaranteed to every citizen by the article 59 of Russian Constitution. And nevertheless Vadim Aleksandrovich Hesse, inhabitant of Zelenyj village, Moscow region, who formally submitted the respective application to the recruitment commission of the Noginsk recruitment office was arrested at his own home in January, this year. The warrant for his arrest was issued by Noginsk prosecutor Mr Iljjin: apparently the basic law of the country has been written not for him. The "crime" of the fellow consisted in his non-arrival to the recruitment point after getting the order of recruitment office to be drafted, this caused the criminal case against him. It's remarkable: Hesse was arrested less than one day befo

re Russia's entering Council of Europe, which indispensable condition is the soonest introduction alternative civilian service in our country.

The Anti-militarist Radical Association got up to defend the courageous draftee. It prevented to put the fellow away. Justification of Noginsk objector has a principal significance, because it creates an important precedent which would prevent lawlessness in other similar cases. Who among other draftees wants to get details about alternative service, can call ARA by phone 923-91-27.