More than 7,600 prisoners want to fight in the Armed Forces: new data from the Ministry of Justice
11 October 16:50As of 8 October 2024, more than 7,600 convicts had applied for early release to sign a military service contract. This was the response provided by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine to a request from Komersant Ukrainian regarding the mobilisation of convicts released on parole for military service.
According to the current legislation, after the court ruling comes into force, the released prisoners are transferred under the escort of the National Guard to the territorial recruitment centres, where they undergo all the necessary procedures. In particular, a military medical commission, professional and psychological selection, after which they conclude a contract and perform military service.
The procedure for interaction between penitentiary institutions, recruitment centres and the National Guard is regulated by the government. However, the Department for the Execution of Sentences cannot provide information on the procedure for the service of the released prisoners, recommending that they contact the Ministry of Defence for such clarifications.
The number of people who have expressed a desire to serve in the military indicates a significant interest among prisoners in being released on parole to defend the country. It also emphasises that the process of mobilising such persons depends on the cooperation of several state bodies, including the National Guard and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Mobilisation of convicts
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in general the draft law No. 11079-1 on the mobilisation of certain categories of convicts.
Prisoners who express a desire to be mobilised will be able to serve after a court decision and a military qualification examination. But their sentence should not exceed three years.
It should be noted that not all convicts can be mobilised to the army. Restrictions apply to persons who are serving a sentence or have been convicted of
- particularly serious corruption offences;
- crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine;
- intentional murder of two or more people, or murder with particular cruelty, or combined with rape or sexual violence;
- crimes against sexual freedom and inviolability;
- crimes related to terrorism;
- driving under the influence of alcohol, if it caused the death of several people;
- the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or military personnel;
particularly serious corruption offences.
Author: Anastasiia Fedor