Putin allows criminal defendants to fight against Ukraine

This was reported by the Meduza media outlet. 

It is noted that the defendants will be released from liability if they sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense or are subject to mobilization.

The publication also adds that currently only those who are under investigation or have already been convicted in a criminal case can sign a contract to participate in the war against Ukraine.

More about the bill

Last week, the State Duma of the Russian Federation passed a draft law that would exempt defendants who have joined the military under mobilization or contract from criminal liability.

According to the draft law, criminal proceedings will be suspended and measures of restraint will be cancelled while the defendants are serving in the military.

Proceedings may also be suspended against a person who committed a crime during military service, mobilization and martial law.

At the same time, the defendants will be fully exempt from criminal liability upon discharge from military service (due to age, health, end of the mobilization period, cancellation of martial law) or if they receive state award.

The Russian State Duma also passed a draft law in the second and third readings that would allow military service contracts to be signed with defendants in court proceedings.

• On September 30, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the autumn conscription of 133,000 people into the Russian army.