More than 13% of Ukrainian prisoners were released to serve in the Armed Forces: NGL.media data
The largest number of people wishing to serve in the Armed Forces was observed in the last two weeks of May, when the law just came into force.
Since the entry into force of the law allowing certain groups of prisoners to sign a contract with the Armed Forces, at least 3,611 convicts have taken advantage of this opportunity. Such data leads NGL.media.
Analysis of the court register shows that over three months, more than 3,611 convicts were released from prisons to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is more than 13% of the total number of prisoners in Ukrainian colonies (according to the Ministry of Justice, as of May 15, there were 27,471 convicts in Ukrainian colonies and prisons). The government expects to mobilize at least 4,000 convicts, which actually constitutes a full-fledged separate brigade of the Armed Forces.
According to the publication, the largest number of people willing to serve in the Armed Forces was in the last two weeks of May, when the law had just entered into force.
If we analyze the nature of crimes already committed by former prisoners, the absolute majority of them were convicted of theft, robbery, robbery or grievous bodily harm, including those that caused the victim’s death. Almost all of them will serve exclusively in shooting positions. Judging by court rulings, only a few of those released will serve as orderlies, cooks or drivers.
On July 23, the secretary of the VRU Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Roman Kostenko, said that 3,800 released prisoners who signed a contract with the Armed Forces are already serving in the Armed Forces.
This initiative allows not only to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but also to provide convicts with the possibility of rehabilitation through service to the country. However, it is important to ensure proper oversight of the performance of military duties by these individuals to ensure their effective service and the safety of other military personnel.
Minister of Justice Denys Malyuska noted that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the transparency of the process of release and further service of convicts in the Armed Forces. This includes detailed verification and monitoring of the activities of released prisoners, as well as their integration into military units, taking into account the nature of the crimes committed by them and the possible risks.
