The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee has given its approval to the second and third readings of two amendments to the laws on military justice.
Currently, a soldier who is missing for more than 21 days of military service is considered a deserter and can be punished with up to 15 years in jail. The first amendment discussed would reduce the punishment to seven years during a time of quiet and 10 years during a time of war.
The second amendment would increase the period of time before the soldiers becomes a deserter from 21 days to 18 months.