Suspension of sentence execution during the war. Application practice (1941-1942)

Abstract

The article highlights the historical origins and practice of using the suspension of sentence execution for military servicemen and conscripts in the conditions of martial law introduced during the Second World War. Such an opportunity was given to convicts who expressed a desire to participate in combat operations as part of Red Army units (from July to September 1942 – penal battalions and companies), as well as to persons of draft age who were under investigation. The chronological limits cover the first year of application of the suspension practice. The lower limit is June 22, 1941, the date of the introduction of martial law, the upper limit is determined by the time of the creation of penal units in the Red Army, which became the place of service for “suspendees”.