Up to five years in prison for those who evade military service in Cuba.

Officials from Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power announced this weekend the details of the new draft military penal code, which, among other things, includes a proposal of up to five years in prison for young Cubans who attempt to evade military service on the island, which is mandatory for men.

The new Code, mentioned above and released on Saturday by the National Assembly, establishes prison sentences and severe penalties for young people who attempt to evade Active Military Service (SMA), or mandatory military service.

According to the chapter Under the third section of the law, which deals with "Crimes against the fulfillment of military service obligations," recruits who abandon the unit or place where they serve, or who fail to report when required, could face penalties of two to five years' imprisonment.

JAIL IN CUBA FOR EVADING MILITARY SERVICE?

The same would apply to those who commit other acts that demonstrate the intent to permanently evade military service. The law would also punish those who self-inflict injuries, intentionally cause illnesses, falsify medical certificates, or use "other deception" to avoid military service with imprisonment of six months to two years.

This draft Military Penal Code bill will be presented at the upcoming session of the National Assembly, and is now available to receive the opinions and suggestions of Cuban citizens. To this end, the following email address has been set up ([email protected]) where comments and proposals on the regulations can be sent.

Many parents in Cuba have called on social media under the hashtag "No to Military Service" for the elimination of mandatory military service for 16-year-olds, who often end up self-harming or even taking their own lives due to the pressure of military life. Contrary to what some Cuban government officials stated this year at the United Nations, service is mandatory for men and voluntary for women.