Nearly 5 thousand prisoners agree to go to war in exchange for release - Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice

Almost 5 thousand prisoners in Ukraine agree to go to the front (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

Almost 5,000 prisoners in Ukraine have agreed to go to the front in exchange for parole if the relevant law is passed, according to Deputy Minister of Justice Olena Vysotska.

According to her, in April, a survey was conducted among prisoners, asking them whether the law on early release by signing a contract for military service should be adopted. About 4.5 thousand convicts said yes.

Vysotska said that the prisoners were not interviewed under the articles of the Criminal Code, some of which are not subject to mobilization. Their health status was not taken into account. At the same time, about 4,000 convicts diagnosed with socially dangerous diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis were rejected.

According to the Ministry of Justice, as of May 15, 2024, there were 27,471 convicts in Ukrainian colonies, including 1,538 women.

The deputy justice minister added that in order for the law to be fully operational, bylaws need to be adopted. According to her, the law will be fully applied in about a few weeks.

Mobilization of convicts in Ukraine

The Verkhovna Rafa of Ukraine passed a draft law on the mobilization of convicts in the second reading. It is currently awaiting the President's signature.

According to the document, prisoners will be able to mobilize to the army for contract service and will be released on parole. However, not all convicted will be able to go to the front, as there are some exceptions.

According to the Minister of Justice, there are about 10-20 thousand convicts in Ukraine who may be mobilized in the future.

The Ministry of Defense explained that mobilized convicts will serve in special units.