The Duma adopted in the first reading a draft law on conscription with a criminal record

State Duma deputies approved in the first reading billwhich allows citizens with a criminal record, as well as those recognized as limited fit for military service, to enter military service under a contract.

The document was introduced on May 31 by Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of the Duma Defense Committee, and Andrei Krasov, his first deputy. The authors of the initiative noted that during the activities for the admission of citizens to military service under the contract, a significant number of persons were identified who wish to enter such service, but do not have the right to do so in accordance with the current norms of the law.

The authors of the bill noted that now in Russia, conscription is allowed as part of the mobilization of persons with a criminal record, with the exception of those who have committed crimes against sexual integrity, convicted of terrorism, high treason, espionage and a number of other grave and especially grave crimes. A similar approach is proposed to be applied to citizens who have a criminal record and wish to enter military service under a contract, during mobilization, martial law or wartime.

Also, according to the bill, persons who are serving sentences and who have entered into a contract for military service will be released from punishment, and their criminal record will be extinguished. In addition, it is allowed to enter the military service fit for military service with minor restrictions or limited fit.