Parent Councils to tackle army hazing

Parent councils set up to tackle problems such as army hazing will be created in Russian military units, according to Deputy Defence minister Nikolay Pankov.

Bullying in the Russian military has recently been exposed as a major issue.

It was brought to light by the case of Private Andrei Sychev, who lost his legs and genitals after being tortured by fellow soldiers in December 2006.

Now Parent Councils will also become members of drafting commissions. It's hoped the councils will make the conscription process transparent and allow society to better control it.