Putin Grants Criminal Defendants Immunity if They Join Military

New law allows Russian defendants to avoid trial and prosecution by enlisting in the armed forces amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law enabling defendants in criminal cases to avoid prosecution by joining the military.
The law extends immunity to defendants at any stage of their legal proceedings, including those already on trial.
Convicts who are discharged due to age, health reasons, or the end of martial law can have their sentences or proceedings entirely cancelled.
Russia's military needs remain high as the conflict in Ukraine continues, prompting the government to increase troop strength and allocate a record 32.5% of its budget to defense.
Since the invasion, Russia has recruited from prisons, with many convicts reoffending after returning from the front lines.