Contract Soldiers to Be Exempt from Criminal Prosecution in Russia

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has adopted bills in the second and third readings that exempt individuals who have signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense of Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine from criminal liability. This is reported by dw.com.

The documents amend the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes, as well as the Law on Military Service. The amendment pertains to those who have committed minor or medium severity offenses, as well as those under investigation or prosecution, and those who have already been convicted.

If a contract is signed with the Russian Ministry of Defense, criminal cases against suspects will be terminated, and those sentenced to real prison terms will receive conditional sentences. Oversight of the behavior of those exempted from criminal liability will be entrusted to the commanding officers of military units.

Mobilized and contract soldiers will be exempt from criminal liability from the day they receive state awards for service or from the day of their release. The changes will not apply to suspects of crimes against minors' sexual integrity, public safety, constitutional order, and state security, nor to those suspected of terrorism. The bill will come into force after being approved by the Federation Council and signed by the president.