NewsUkraine may send 20,000 prisoners to fight: A solution to overcrowding?

Ukraine may send 20,000 prisoners to fight: A solution to overcrowding?

Ukraine is considering deploying prisoners to the war's front lines. The nation's parliament recently legislated the option for specific prisoner categories to be released so they can enlist for military service on a contractual basis during periods of mobilization and war. This could potentially affect up to 20,000 individuals.
The Ukrainian government wants to send prisoners to war.
The Ukrainian government wants to send prisoners to war.
Images source: © East News | AA/ABACA

4:42 PM EDT, May 10, 2024

The Justice Minister of Ukraine, Denys Maluska, highlighted the significant number of detainees eligible for war mobilization, ranging between 10,000 to 20,000. This move comes amid overcrowded prisons, a pressing issue in Ukraine. "Our country faces a severe problem with overpopulated prisons," Maluska stated.

Congestion is at its worst in pre-trial detention centers, especially in larger cities. Maluska strongly supports mobilizing convicted individuals to alleviate overcrowding issues and adhere to the required prisoner-per-area standards in penal facilities. This was discussed during an interview with the Ukrainian BBC edition.

The Supreme Council, Ukraine's legislative body, approved a law this Wednesday. It permits certain prisoners to be released and engage in military service under contract during mobilization and wartime.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, this opportunity for sentence exemption and military enlistment will not extend to those convicted of intentional murder, pedophilia, corruption, or crimes against state security. Additionally, high-ranking officials such as ministers, deputies, and individuals convicted for drug production, distribution, or possession are excluded from this provision.

Will Ukraine enlist murderers for combat? "War entails killing"

Interestingly, Maluska suggested the feasibility of deploying individuals convicted of multiple murders to the front lines. "What's the purpose of going to war, if not to kill?" he questioned, especially highlighting the case of life-sentenced individuals who committed their crimes at a young age, such as 18-19, when the brain hasn't fully matured, and psychological stability is questionable. He argued that decades of imprisonment fundamentally change a person's psychological profile, a sentiment many psychologists echo.

Source: PAP/WP
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