Vladimir Putin signed a decree that allows people accused at the trial stage to sign a contract with the army. Until now, people who had already been convicted or were under investigation could be sent to war.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Wednesday, according to which people subject to court proceedings may be released from criminal liability if they sign a contract with the army or are mobilized, Radio Svoboda reported.
The decree allows during mobilization, as well as during martial law or war, the conclusion of military contracts with defendants subject to court proceedings in the first instance or with persons waiting for the judgment to become final.
During military service, trials will be suspended and preventive measures canceled.
Russian dictator Vladimir PutinMIKHAIL METZEL/PAP/EPA
“The trial may also be suspended for persons subject to proceedings in connection with crimes committed during military service during mobilization, during martial law or during the war,” Radio Swoboda reported.
Such people will be able to be completely exonerated from charges if they receive state awards or are released from the army due to age, health, or due to the end of mobilization (formally, the mobilization decree is in force from September 2022) or the revocation of martial law.
20,000 defendants may go to war
So far, Russian regulations do not allow signing contracts with defendants if their case has already gone to court. It was possible to be exempt from criminal liability upon signing a contract or mobilization at the investigation stage or after a court verdict. These legal changes appeared in Russia during the Kremlin's aggression on Ukraine.
All regulations are intended to enable recruiting people to fight against Ukraine. According to the Vazhnye Istorii website, 20,000 defendants currently in pretrial detention may go to war.
Main photo source: MIKHAIL METZEL/PAP/EPA