Relatives of conscript soldiers gathered outside Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, demanding that all soldiers born in the same year serve 1.5 years.

According to participants, the law should apply equally to everyone, Panorama.am reports.

“We want the law to apply to all boys born in the same year; there should be no differentiation. We have no other complaints — only this law is unfair. Our demand is equality,” one protester said.

One of the mothers participating in the protest added that if such a law exists, it should be applied uniformly to all.

“I think this creates psychological stress for the boys. We demand equality. If the law sets 1.5 years, then it should be for everyone; if two years, then for everyone,” she said.

Another participant noted that although the soldiers themselves have not protested, a sense of injustice has developed among them, leading to emotional distress. According to participants, if the law cannot be changed, additional leave could be granted to effectively reduce service duration closer to 1.5 years.

The protesters have appealed to Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and are awaiting a response.

Several parents also expressed hope that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan could address the issue.

“My brother’s son has served nine months and will serve two years. This injustice has affected his mental state. He is currently in hospital; the main reason is psychological stress. We demand equality for everyone,” one participant said.

Under the 2025 winter conscription, recruitment to the Armed Forces began on January 7, 2026, introducing 18-month mandatory service for those drafted from that cycle. The law does not have retroactive effect and does not apply to those conscripted during the 2025 summer draft.