Anti-Military Radical Association

The ARA is an affiliate of the Transnational Radical Party, an international political movement that follows a Ghandian philosophy of non-violence and conscientious objection. The group is opposed to current Russian law requiring mandatory military service and is working to abolish the law and establish alternative service. ARA produces a monthly newsletter, The Anti-Militarist, (available on-line at the group's Web site) and holds weekly seminars in Moscow informing young men of legal methods to avoid the draft.

During the spring draft in April 1998, ARA members plastered Moscow subway trains with thousands of stickers reading "Call to Military Service? No, thanks!" that gave ARA's phone number and cited the article of the Russian constitution protecting conscientious objectors. ARA has offices in several cities across Russia, including Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Severomorsk (in Murmansk oblast) and Yaroslavl.

Last updated:    February 1999

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