Drone_pilot
28-07-04, 10:03
The Russian military says 109 soldiers have committed suicide in the first six months of this year - a 38% rise over the same period in 2003.
Chief military prosecutor Alexander Savenkov said at least 60 of those were "driven to suicide" because of bullying by their superiors.
He also said 420 servicemen have died in non-combat situations this year.
Correspondents say morale in the Russian military is low and corruption among the senior staff is widespread.
"We can safely say that 60 people were driven to suicide," Mr Savenkov told reporters in Moscow.
He said criminal investigations were under way to punish those responsible.
The prosecutor said that others may have committed suicide for personal reasons, such as trouble with their families or with a girlfriend.
Mr Savenkov also said embezzlement was another growing problem in the army.
According to official military figures, more than 7,000 soldiers were convicted of various crimes last year.
BBC Read More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3931801.stm)
Chief military prosecutor Alexander Savenkov said at least 60 of those were "driven to suicide" because of bullying by their superiors.
He also said 420 servicemen have died in non-combat situations this year.
Correspondents say morale in the Russian military is low and corruption among the senior staff is widespread.
"We can safely say that 60 people were driven to suicide," Mr Savenkov told reporters in Moscow.
He said criminal investigations were under way to punish those responsible.
The prosecutor said that others may have committed suicide for personal reasons, such as trouble with their families or with a girlfriend.
Mr Savenkov also said embezzlement was another growing problem in the army.
According to official military figures, more than 7,000 soldiers were convicted of various crimes last year.
BBC Read More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3931801.stm)