Putin signs law on sentencing Russians for desertion, surrender on battlefield

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off amendments to the Criminal Code, laying down prison terms for desertion and surrender, and introducing into the Code the concepts of "mobilization," "martial law," and "wartime."

This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to the official portal of legal information of the Russian Federation.

Desertion during the period of mobilization and martial law shall be prosecuted more severely than before, envisaging up to 5 years of imprisonment, if the serviceman is absent for 2-10 days; up to 7 years in prison for being absent for 10 days to one month; and 5-10 years in a penal colony for those absent for over a month.

Refusal to participate in hostilities is punishable by up to three years in prison, and up to 10 years – if such refusal entailed "grave consequences". The same term is provided for failure to comply with the order.

"Voluntary surrender" will lead to a prison sentence from 3 to 10 years (if there are no signs of "treason" in the act). At the same time, a person accused of this crime for the first time may be released from criminal liability if they "took measures for their release", returned to the base and did not commit "other crimes" while in captivity.

Amendments have been passed to the article on looting, which provide for imprisonment for up to 15 years. Committing the crime "during the period of mobilization, martial law and war period" constitutes a mitigating circumstance.

The law also introduces into the Criminal Code a number of articles providing for punishment for failing to fulfill a government defense order and violating the terms of a government contract.

The law was adopted by the State Duma in an emergency order on September 20, ahead of the mobilization announcement.