Russia’s upper house backs digital army summons bill. Only one senator voted against it

The Russian Federation Council, upper house of parliament, has approved the bill that equates traditional printed draft notices to the ones issued electronically, RIA Novosti reports.

The bill was backed by 163 senators, while only one opposed it, Lyudmila Narusova.

She said that the punishment for not receiving a summons is not reasonable, while the bill itself was forced through in a hurry. “Let’s call the bluff here, we all know what the law is aimed at,” Narusova said.

The State Duma, lower house of Russia’s parliament, adopted the amendments to the conscription law in all three readings less than 24 hours ago. The bill changes the way draftees are summoned and sets out new limitations for those who evade conscription. It took lawmakers less than 24 hours to first announce the intention to pass the bill and ultimately adopt it in both chambers.

Russians who receive summons in any way set out by the bill will not be allowed to leave the country. Those who received a notice will then have 20 days to present themselves before the designated military enlistment office. If potential draftees fail to do so, they will be stripped of the right to work as self-employed persons, obtain bank loans, and register properties or vehicles.