Deputy Chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of Yabloko on the new law on electronic call-up papers for mobilisation of conscripts

Press Release, 12.04.2023

Photo: Anatoly Golov / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

The law on electronic call-up papers [instead of head delivered personal letters for mobilisation of conscripts so that to make it harder for men to avoid being drafted] adopted by the State Duma is a step towards the Stalinist state and serfdom. This was stated by Anatoly Golov, Deputy Chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Yabloko party.

“In the “best” Stalinist traditions, the State Duma has taken another step towards a digital concentration camp! Do you think that serfdom was abolished in Russia in 1861? You are wrong, it was in 1961! Prior to this, a collective farmer did not have a passport and could not leave his collective farm! Moreover, it was only in 1961 that the Labour Code of the RSFSR introduced the possibility of dismissal from job “at the worker’s request”! Prior to this, there was no such possibility – only by agreement of the parties.

If the boss did not agree to let you go, you were obliged to continue working. Thus, the work of the State Duma is another step towards the Stalinist regime in its modern version. Stalinists, rejoice! – this will affect you first of all!” Golov said.

The State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in the third reading the law on electronic call-up papers for mobilisation of conscripts so that to make it harder for men to avoid being drafted. From now on, those liable for military service will be notified through their personal accounts at the Gosuslugi (State Services) web-site and by registered mail. The call-up letters will be considered personally delivered as soon as sent electronically. The citizen will be considered notified of the need to appear at the military registration and enlistment office. If he does not do this within seven days, he will be considered an evader and will be forbidden to leave the country, drive a car and make transactions with property. Before introduction of the law on electronic call-up papers, paper summons had to be hand delivered at the registered addresses of would-be-recruits or places of work and men were required to sign for the delivered summons personally. Many refused to take the letters or sign for them, or did not appear at their registered address, so the recruiters had difficulties in delivering the papers.

Anatoly Golov

is Co-Chair of the Yabloko Social Democratic Faction, a member of the Yabloko Bureau and Deputy Chairman of the St.Petersburg branch of Yabloko.  Co-Chairman of the Russian Consumers Union