The Release of Convicts from Imprisonment for their Participation in Military Actions

The paper analyzes the problem of discrediting the institution of pardon through the mass release of convicts from criminal liability (from serving a sentence of imprisonment) to participate in military operations and the risks of unfavorable development of the criminal situation created as a result of this practice. There is a need for proper legal regulation of the exemption from criminal liability of persons for their participation in military activities. The point of view is defended that it is more preferable to adjust the provisions of criminal law institutions (postponement of serving a sentence or parole), rather than the constitutional and legal (primarily) institution of pardon. It is indicated that it is possible to reduce the risk of recidivism by fixing some restrictions on the application of the rules on exemption from liability for convicted persons (for example, specifying specific articles, the conviction of which will prevent release, and/or regulating the actual serving of part of the sentence differentially, depending on the category of crime). It is noted that it is necessary to exclude the practice of releasing from punishment persons who have committed the most socially dangerous acts: murders with aggravating circumstances, intentional infliction of serious harm to health, rape or violent acts of a sexual nature (especially against minors), etc. It is recognized impossible to create a legal mechanism that makes it possible, on the one hand, to quickly reinforce the military with persons serving sentences in the form of imprisonment, and on the other hand, to exclude the possibility of their committing crimes both during military operations and after their termination.

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