The Federation Council approved exemption from punishment under the Criminal Code for a contract with the Ministry of Defense

Council of the Federation approved two laws on creating a mechanism for releasing convicts from criminal liability when they sign a contract for military service. Laws apply during periods of mobilization, martial law or wartime. The corresponding changes will be enshrined in the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes.

Not only convicted persons (regardless of the severity of the crime), but also those who are under arrest during an investigation or trial for crimes of medium and light gravity will be able to conclude a contract with the Ministry of Defense. At the time of signing the contract, the real term of imprisonment will be replaced with a suspended one. In case of a second crime, the sentence will be given taking into account the first one.

The basis for exemption from liability and expungement of a criminal record will be the award of a state award received during military service, or dismissal from military service for health reasons, due to reaching the age limit, or due to the end of the mobilization period. The laws do not apply to those accused of crimes against the sexual integrity of minors, terrorism and crimes against the foundations of the constitutional order and state security.

The laws were introduced to the State Duma on March 6 by deputies Pavel Krasheninnikov and Andrei Kartapolov (both from United Russia) and senator Andrei Klishas. First reading of laws passed March 12. Yesterday, March 19, they were accepted immediately in the second and third readings. Mr. Kartapolov assured the deputies that former prisoners return from the front as “different people,” since “it’s one thing to slurp gruel for ten years, and another thing to go on an attack every day.”

Details – in the material “Kommersant” “Those under investigation were equalized with those convicted”.

Laura Keffer