Ukraine passes law to mobilize prisoners for military service
The Supreme Council of Ukraine has adopted a bill allowing certain categories of prisoners to be mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine - reported by Meduza service. 279 deputies voted for the bill.
The law stipulates that prisoners convicted of "lesser" crimes can apply for service in the Ukrainian army. Individuals convicted of rapes or murders, as well as the production and distribution of drugs, will not have this right.
In the second reading, Ukrainian deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported that the right to mobilization from prison was abolished for deputies and some of the highest corrupt officials.
According to its provisions, prisoners can apply for military service only during a state of war. They can be subject to conditional release by signing a contract with the army.
How many prisoner soldiers does Ukraine count on?
The court will decide on convicts' early release for military service after consulting with the medical commission, the recruitment command, and the unit they will serve in.
In April, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Justice, Olena Vysotska, told Suspilne TV that Ukraine could mobilize about 26,000 people serving sentences.
