Armenia’s Ministry of Defense plans to introduce a bill that, if passed, would allow the military police to monitor telephone conversations of conscript and contract servicemen in the armed forces.

The ministry, in a statement, argues that by monitoring telephone calls, it can prevent serious crimes within the armed forces.

The ministry says it has drafted a set of rules for the use of mobile phones by soldiers but that investigations should be carried out not only when a person is suspected of committing a grave crime, but also before such suspicions arise.  

"In the current situation, conditioned by the complex territorial situation and the growing threat, it is necessary to be ready in time for all possible illegal acts. In addition, we must take into account that those with criminal intent are employing greater resources to bring their criminal intentions to life. That is why it is necessary to respond in a timely and proportionate manner to these challenges,” the draft bill reads.