Russian president signs bills on contractual participation of citizens in military

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed bills amending the rules on the participation of citizens in the country’s armed forces, including conditions applicable for convicts.

The bills, posted on the Russian government’s online portal, include provisions for convicts, notably one which allows the release of convicts ahead of schedule upon signing a contract for service in the Russian military.

The bill concerned calls for an appeal to be submitted from the command of the military unit or a personal statement of the convict.

Convicted persons can conclude a contract only during the period of mobilization, martial law, or in wartime, the bill stipulates, further noting that those convicted of crimes, such as sexual assault, espionage, hostage-taking, and “extremist acts,” will not be able to apply.

A separate bill allows those with a criminal record or “limited fit” for military service to enter into contracts with the armed forces, which will be valid during the period of mobilization, martial law, and during wartime.

A different bill also established legal guarantees and grounds for exemption from criminal liability for persons who have entered into a contract for service in the Russian military during the period of mobilization, martial law, or wartime.

Another bill that was adopted raised the age limit for contract service during mobilization, martial law, or wartime to 70. The previous age limit for service for Russian men was from 50 to 65, depending on one’s rank.​​​​​​​