Lithuania to introduce army draft after graduation

Starting from the new year, a law will come into effect in Lithuania according to which high school students pre-registered in draft lists will be sent to military service immediately after finishing school. Information about future conscription will be given to young men at the age of 17—after passing a medical examination. The opportunity to enter university will be postponed until after completing service and will be preserved only for those deemed unfit for health reasons. According to some critics, such legislation deprives young people of their right to choose while still at school, unlike in several more "democratic" countries.