Russia adopts law on new military draft rules
Russian MPs have supported a bill that introduces electronic draft notices for conscripts and reservists and imposes restrictions on those attempting to evade military service. The bill was passed almost unanimously by the State Duma – the lower house of the Russian parliament – with all but one MP supporting it.
Under the new rules, a conscript or reservist would receive a draft notice through his account on the electronic state services portal ‘Gosuslugi’, which is used in Russia for a wide range of public services. Notices can also be served at what are called Multifunctional Public Services Centers – a kind of a unified citizens public service bureau.
The authorities will create a new public register of draft notices, the bill states. A notice is automatically considered to be served a week after it is registered as being delivered even if the addressee did not confirm receipt, the bill says.
The legislation also obliges local authorities, tax offices, police departments, medical organizations and other public institutions to provide all the data necessary to form a unified database of conscripts and reservists and authorizes police to search for evaders.
Draft dodgers will also face certain restrictions if the bill comes into force. Those served a draft notice would be banned from leaving Russia starting on the day when the notice is considered to be delivered, the legislation says.
Anyone who receives a summons but fails to arrive at a recruitment office within 20 days without a valid reason will be barred from registering as a sole proprietor or self-employed worker. Such an individual would also be deprived of the right to real estate, have their driver's license suspended and would be prohibited from getting a loan in Russia. All restrictions will be lifted 24 hours after recruitment, the bill adds.
The bill is yet to be debated by the Russian Federation Council – the upper House of the parliament. Following that and on condition it is approved, it will be signed into law by President Vladimir Putin. The Federation Council announced it would review the bill on Wednesday.
The legislation was introduced during the annual spring conscription campaign in Russia. According to MP Andrey Kartapolov, the ongoing draft, which is scheduled to end in July, will not be affected by the new rules.
