Russia has officially refused to extradite foreign citizens who have signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in response to requests from other countries regarding criminal prosecution or the execution of sentences. The corresponding amendment to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation was approved by the government commission.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Changes to legislation for foreign contract soldiers
The changes will affect both foreigners and stateless persons who are serving or have served under contract in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or other military formations, as well as those who participated in combat operations within their ranks. According to the new rules, Russia is not obliged to extradite such individuals to other countries even in the case of international requests.
Igor Cherepanov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, explained that these measures are allegedly aimed at preserving military secrets and other important information.
“Such migrants have a priority right to obtain citizenship of the Russian Federation,” said State Duma Deputy Alexey Kurinny to RTVI.
The government’s initiative also amends Article 464 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, the laws “on the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation and entering the Russian Federation,” and the federal law “on the legal status of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.”
Consequences for foreign mercenaries and their status in Russia
For foreigners who have fought as part of the Russian army, a number of benefits will be introduced. In particular, their temporary stay in the country will not be shortened, they will not be denied the issuance or annulment of residence permits, and they will not be prohibited from entering or deemed undesirable for their stay.
Foreign mercenaries of the Russian army are often prosecuted in their home countries for participating in combat operations on the side of Russia. For example, in the summer, a court in Uzbekistan sentenced a 59-year-old man to three and a half years of restriction of freedom for serving in the Wagner PMC. According to the Ukrainian project “I Want to Live,” more than 1,100 citizens of Uzbekistan, 661 Kazakhs, and 931 citizens of Tajikistan signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense of Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. At least 109 Uzbeks have died at the front.