An 18-year-old student at Anzhero-Sudzhensk Polytechnic College in Russia's Kemerovo region was expelled after refusing to sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry, according to the Idite Lesom human rights project, which reported the case on October 17 after the young man contacted the organization.
According to the group, college staff urged the student to sign a contract to serve as a drone operator.
The student had outstanding academic requirements that he had failed to complete by the deadline. Rights advocates allege that the college administration used the threat of expulsion to pressure him into signing a military contract.
The student initially agreed to the proposed arrangements. He signed documents concerning an individualized study plan and an academic leave of absence, then began undergoing the medical examination required to enter military service.
According to the young man, a college representative accompanied him to the medical appointments. He subsequently decided against signing the contract and sought advice from the rights group.
Idite Lesom explained that he was not required to sign a military contract and could decline to continue the process.
The student later informed the organization that he had been expelled. He believes the decision was connected to his refusal to enlist.
He now fears that he will face renewed pressure to sign a contract during his compulsory military service.
According to Idite Lesom, the organization had received 22 requests for assistance since the beginning of October involving military contracts signed by conscripts. Rights advocates said some cases involved documents being signed without the service members' consent.
The circumstances of the expulsion are known from the student's account and the rights group. No independently verified documents establish that his refusal to sign the contract was the direct reason for the college's decision.
Similar reports of military recruitment offers made to students have previously emerged in other Russian regions.