Putin legalized the release of the defendants for signing the contract

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a law according to which defendants can be released from criminal liability if they sign a contract for military service or are mobilized. In September, the draft law was approved by the State Duma.

During the period of military service, the proceedings in criminal cases will be suspended, and the restraining order will be canceled. Also, the suspension of legal proceedings is possible in relation to people who committed a crime during the period of military service during mobilization, during the period of martial law or in wartime.

Defendants will be able to be fully released from criminal liability after receiving a state award or dismissal from military service (due to age, health, due to the end of the period of mobilization, cancellation of martial law or expiration of military service).

Previously, Russian legislation did not allow concluding a military contract with the accused, if their case had already been brought to court. Those who are under investigation, but their cases have not yet been brought to court, or those who have already been convicted, have the opportunity to release themselves from responsibility, signed a contract and went to war.