Putin signs law giving criminal defendants immunity if they join the army

[Zorro]

Source: Washington Post

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved a new law that will exempt Russian defendants and suspects who have signed up to fight in the army from criminal liability.

The bill was introduced by the Russian Supreme Court this summer and passed by Russia’s parliament after three readings and will save defendants from facing trial and from criminal prosecution.

Previously, only Russians who had been convicted or were under investigation had the option to sign a contract with the Defense Ministry and join the “Special Military Operation,” the Kremlin’s euphemism for its war against Ukraine. This new bill is intended to close the gap in the chain so that anyone facing criminal charges at any stage can sign a contract and avoid prison.

Russian independent outlet Important Stories reported earlier this month that with the new bill Russian authorities expect to send roughly 20,000 additional defendants, including people under investigation and those held in pretrial detention centers across Russia, to the front lines.

Read more: https://wapo.st/47Rnv5W

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It's a win-win-win for Putin.

Clears the courts, increases military manpower, and if they get killed in action well, it's just another alleged criminal that's dead and gone.

[ck4829]

1. Rampant corruption

[CanonRay]

2. Smelling desperation anyone?

[ShazzieB]

7. Yes, and the srench is strong! 🤢

[VMA131Marine]

3. So, essentially, they would be signing up for a death sentence

I’d go for the criminal conviction.

[Bok_Tukalo]

4. Who needs mobilization when you can just arrest people.

Don't jaywalk in Moscow.

[Backseat Driver]

5. To the front lines, huh?

There's a big risk, but if were one of those estimated 20K newly pardoned personnel, I'd try like heck to find a good spot and surrender to the other side.

[gab13by13]

6. Desperate is right

Putin also just ordered a 133,000 draft from now until December.

[bluestarone]

8. If they are smart, they will run to front lines, then

Join Ukraine army.

[maxsolomon]

9. The grinder needs meat.

Ukraine wounded Putin's pride deeply in 2014.

He is the Worst Person in the World. Russia won't be free of him even for years.

[twodogsbarking]

10. The Dirty Dozen.

'member?

[Linda ladeewolf]

11. No prisoners, no prisons to pay for.

Kills off the worst of the people, saves money on incarceration, frees up the guards for service too. All he has to do is consolidate all the remaining prisoners in much fewer prisons. It will take years for them to restore their population, probably why they took so many of Ukraines children. That and the children might be easier to brainwash, unless they’ve been killed.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

12. Putin needs to replace a large number of troops

Link to tweet