Russian lawmakers submit bill to allow people with criminal records to join military under contract
A bill has been introduced to the Russian State Duma that would allow people with criminal records and people declared “partially fit for military service” to join the military under contract.
The bill was submitted by Defense Committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov and his deputy, Andrey Krasov. In an explanatory note attached to the document, the lawmakers said that a “significant number of citizens have been identified” who wish to join the army under contract but cannot under existing law.
The current version of the bill would allow people with past convictions and people declared “partially fit” to enlist only during periods of mobilization, martial law, and wartime.
The change would not apply to people previously convicted of terrorism, state treason, espionage, sexual crimes against minors, and certain other serious offenses.
