The draft law on amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which introduces the concepts of “mobilization”, “martial law” and “wartime” in Russia, was marked on the official portal of the State Duma as adopted at all stages – that is, as signed and published. However, on September 20, the State Duma only approved it in the second and third readings.
Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman drew attention to this.
In Russia, a bill, in order to become law, must go through several instances: first, three readings in the State Duma, then the document is sent for approval to the Federation Council, and after that it goes to the president for signature. Submitted bills are displayed on the official portal of the State Duma, where anyone can follow the movement of documents at different stages: if any of the stages is passed, this is marked in green.
The “mobilization” bill, which was approved by the State Duma on September 20 immediately in the second and third readings (in an accelerated mode), all stages are marked in green. In other words, this document became law even before the approval by the Federation Council and, in fact, before it was signed by Putin. At the same time, the relevant hearings in the Federation Council are scheduled only for September 21.
“See that green thing down there? These are the stages of the legislative process. They are gray at first, and as they pass, they turn green. This is mobilization project No. 160006-8, which the State Duma adopted today in the second and third readings. He has not yet reached the Federation Council and the president, but let's get ahead of ourselves, overtaking our own slippers. Grab your bags, the station is leaving,” Shulman wrote on her Telegram channel.
The bill introduces a whole set of new articles of the Criminal Code, including "Voluntary Surrender" and "Looting". As an aggravating circumstance, the commission of a crime “during the period of mobilization or martial law, in wartime” is indicated. Voluntary surrender in this case provides for from 3 to 10 years in prison.
According to the document, Russians who are in the reserve and called up for military training will be criminally liable for failure to appear or desertion – just like contract soldiers and conscripts. Refuseniks are also expected to be punished: for non-execution of the order of the chief, which was given during martial law – a term of two to three years.
Human rights activist Alexei Tabalov, commenting on the document for The Insider, noted that the law, among other things, is aimed at "enslaving military personnel at the front." Refuseniks have not been punished until now. The introduction of such amendments, according to him, speaks of the "nervousness" of the Ministry of Defense – this is a mass phenomenon.