Belarus offers inmates a shot at freedom through military service

There has been a legislative shift in Belarus. Now, prisoners can opt to serve in the military under contract service. The initiative was authorised by the country's President, Alexander Lukashenko, who acknowledged the precedent of Russian penal colonies dispatching inmates to the conflict in Ukraine.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko enacted legislation approved by the parliament, which, among numerous provisions, includes the possibility of military draft notifications being sent through SMS.

Additional amendments include the requirement that individuals in military service inform their drafting office or another relevant entity about any changes to their contact phone numbers within a week.

Furthermore, another significant legislative update has been introduced in Belarus. Currently, individuals under investigation, those previously convicted, and inmates in penal colonies are eligible for recruitment into contract military service. Radio Free Europe initially covered this update.

The mobilisation of inmates from Russian penal colonies for combat roles in Ukraine was coordinated by the private military contractor, the Wagner Group. The Kremlin's use of prisoners for frontline duties is speculated to be less controversial within Russian society compared to casualties incurred by professional Russian soldiers or draftees.

Belarus has stated it is not in conflict with any nation, yet its conduct has led to apprehensions among NATO members. Lukashenko has notably demonstrated military readiness, positioning tanks along the borders with Lithuania and, subsequently, Poland.

Notably, during his visit to the vicinity of the Lithuanian border, Lukashenko inquired about the feasibility of a military operation against the Suwalki Gap, a strategic corridor linking Poland and Lithuania.

The newly passed law reinforces penalties for evading military service, increasing the maximum imprisonment from two to three years. Absence from recruitment events without a justified reason could also incur a fine.