In force · in force from 21 April 2025 (the whole law)
101-ФЗ of 21 April 2025 «On amending Article 247 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation»
Who is affected
People abroad accused under 'political' articles of minor or medium gravity: 'fakes' (207.3 part 1), 'discrediting' (280.3 part 1), 'undesirable' organisations (284.1 parts 1-2), foreign agents (330.1), calls for sanctions (284.2) and others.
Who is not affected
A trial in absentia is still possible only for people outside Russia who avoid appearing; for other minor and medium offences it is not allowed.
What changes
- Trials in absentia are allowed not only for grave crimes but also for the listed 'political' offences of lesser gravity (CPC art. 247 part 5).
- A final in-absentia sentence can be a ground for the Justice Ministry list under Law 284-FZ.
What to do now
- If you face a case under such an article, find a lawyer who can take part in the in-absentia trial and appeal the sentence.
- Watch the court website: a sentence may come from a court you did not know about.
What is not yet clear
How many in-absentia sentences have been issued under the new articles is not published officially.
Guides that reflect this: I am being tried or was convicted in absentia