# Russia’s mobilization law theoretically allows harsher sentences for nearly any crime. In practice, courts rarely invoke it.

https://mins.news/en/item/72971

- Meduza, 2026-09-24 20:09 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/cards/russia-s-mobilization-law-theoretically-allows-harsher-sentences-for-nearly-any-crime-in-practice-courts-rarely-invoke-it

> A 2022 amendment to Russia’s Criminal Code allows courts, in theory, to treat almost any crime committed since September 24, 2022, as aggravated because it occurred “during mobilization.” Courts generally ignore the provision, even when prosecutors or victims cite it, while lawyers say its vague wording leaves the scope of application unresolved.