Russia announced the updating of a law that will allow defendants in criminal proceedings to have their cases postponed if they enlist in the military.
The new measure revised Article 238 of Russia’s procedural code, enabling prison inmates to receive parole in exchange for joining the armed forces, while also allowing police suspects to have their investigations paused for making the same commitment. The amended policy now broadens the legal suspension to individuals currently undergoing a trial.
The guidelines reportedly authorize the annulment of any charges if the accused are discharged for age or medical reasons.
One of the lawmakers who was a sponsor of the initiative, retired general Andrey Kartapolov, argued the bill's adoption gives offenders an opportunity to atone for their illegal civilian conduct.
The approval of the legislation comes as The Moscow Times reported earlier this week that Kremlin officials plan to recruit 20,000 people currently held in pre-trial detention for service in the war with Ukraine.
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