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Russian MPs approved today amendments to the law that will allow the mobilization and participation in the war in Ukraine of former prisoners with heavy sentences, reported AFP, quoted by BTA.

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The amendments refer to persons who were released from prison less than eight years ago (with convictions for serious crimes) and less than ten years ago (with convictions for particularly serious crimes).

The mobilization law, which Vladimir Putin signed in September, has so far not applied to prisoners with similar sentences.

From now on, according to the changes voted by the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament), only those convicted of pedophilia, hostage-taking, assassinations, trafficking in radioactive materials, espionage or treason will not be subject to mobilization.

Russian lawmakers also voted today on a law that regulates the status of volunteers helping the armed forces in conflicts or anti-terrorist operations inside or outside the country.

They are now given the same status as contract soldiers.

"That's right - these people protect our country," said Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.

The mobilization in Russia was introduced after retreats by Moscow's forces in various parts of Ukraine and has already covered more than 400,000 people, according to authorities.

It sparked protest demonstrations in some areas of the country and prompted many to leave Russia immediately.

It was also reported about numerous cases of receiving calls from persons who are not subject to mobilization - such as students, the elderly and the sick.

This led even President Putin to admit that mistakes were made in this process.

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