Federation Council approves new law on electronic military summonses

According to RIA Novosti, the Federation Council passed a law that introduces electronic summonses for the army and restrictions for “dodgers” at its meeting on April 12.

The amendments were supported by 163 senators, while one voted against.

Senator Lyudmila Narusova criticized the bill during the debate. She said that the amendments are aimed at restricting rights and do not correlate with the existing laws and the Constitution. In her opinion, the punishment for failure to receive a summons is “not proportionate,” while the law itself was passed in haste.

Vyacheslav Timchenko, chairman of the Council of Federation’s Committee on Rules and Organization of Parliamentary Activities, then suggested that she be disenfranchised, RBC reports.

On April 11, the State Duma approved the amendments in the second and third readings. The amendments provide for the creation of a register of persons liable for military service which would contain data on their health, education, place of residence, and employment. The amendments also legalize electronic summonses which will be sent out through personal accounts on the “State Services (Gosuslugi)” portal. Those who receive summonses will not be allowed to leave Russia until they go to the military registration and enlistment office.