Vladimir Putin has abolished suspended sentences for repeat offenders

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed amendments to Article 73 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which exclude the possibility of suspended sentences for repeat offenders and individuals who have committed grave crimes.

As follows from the text of the published law, it is proposed not to apply suspended sentences in cases of recidivism or the commission of a grave crime to individuals who have reoffended during their probation period, as well as during the remaining unserved part of a sentence following parole.

These changes have been prompted by an increasing number of grave and especially grave crimes committed by those serving suspended sentences during their probation period. For instance, in 2008, 2,084 such crimes were committed, and in 2010, 2,203. According to the records of criminal-executive inspectorates, more than 1 million people are sentenced annually to punishments and criminal-legal measures not involving deprivation of liberty. The proportion of those with suspended sentences stands at 80%.

It should be added that almost one in four individuals with a suspended sentence is prosecuted for committing grave and especially grave crimes.