The Supreme Court allowed the release from punishment of those undergoing drug addiction treatment

A convicted person who has completed drug addiction treatment and successful medical and social rehabilitation may be released from further punishment. This is stated in the draft resolution of the Supreme Court of Russia.

According to Russian legislation, treatment for drug addiction, as well as medical and social rehabilitation, is one of the grounds for deferring the execution of a sentence. However, the application of a deferment is possible only if the person has been convicted of purchasing or producing drugs without the intent to sell them, forging prescriptions for drugs containing drugs, and cultivating plants containing narcotic or psychotropic substances. A deferment can be granted to a person convicted for the first time or for a second time.

“If he agrees to undergo a course of treatment for drug addiction, as well as medical and social rehabilitation, upon successful completion of which such a convict will be released from serving his sentence or the remaining part of it,” the document says (quoted from RIA Novosti).

In this case, the Supreme Court draws attention to the fact that the defendant may declare a desire to undergo drug treatment or rehabilitation at any stage of the process before the court retires to the deliberation room. A person can express their intention to undergo treatment either in writing or orally, but this must be reflected in the minutes of the court hearing.

The court explained that the duration of the rehabilitation course is individual for everyone and should be determined by experts, while the convicted person can choose either a state treatment center or a private clinic with the appropriate license.