In force · in force from 28 June 2026 (the whole law)
537-ФЗ of 29 December 2025 «On amendments to Articles 73 and 81 of the Penal Enforcement Code of the Russian Federation»
Who is affected
Prisoners listed in art. 73 part 4 of the Penal Code (including terrorism-related convictions and, after the amendment, 'adherence to the ideology of extremism'), convicted foreigners, and their relatives.
Who is not affected
For most prisoners the right to ask once for a transfer closer to relatives remains.
What changes
- Prisoners under art. 73 part 4 and foreigners can be sent to serve far from home.
- They cannot transfer on application to a colony closer to relatives.
- Transfers between colonies for them are decided by the prison service (FSIN).
What to do now
- If someone close is convicted under an 'extremist' or 'terrorist' article, prepare in advance for a long transfer: belongings, money on their account, a lawyer.
- Ask the prison service in writing where the person has been sent.
What is not yet clear
How the prison service will allocate such prisoners in practice is not yet visible.