Effective June 28, 2025, Federal Law No. 537-FZ dated December 29, 2025, enters into force, introducing significant amendments to the procedures for serving sentences and the transfer of convicted persons to correctional facilities.
The substance of the changes
Current legislation allows convicts to submit a request for a transfer to another correctional facility once during their entire term of imprisonment. This right is most commonly exercised to serve a sentence closer to the convict’s relatives’ place of residence, which helps maintain social ties. Previously, this provision did not apply to individuals convicted of terrorism or particularly dangerous crimes.
According to the new law, the list of categories of convicts prohibited from exercising this right to transfer is being expanded. It now includes:
- Individuals convicted of extremist activities;
- Foreign citizens;
- Stateless persons.
For these categories of individuals, the possibility of changing their place of imprisonment to be closer to their family is now legally restricted.
Supplementary provisions
The document also establishes the procedure for transferring convicts from pre-trial detention centers run by the FSB to correctional facilities of the penitentiary system. This transfer process will be defined by the FSB in coordination with the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN).
Legal commentary
These amendments are aimed at tightening the penal regime for specific categories of offenders. This significantly limits the ability of families to maintain regular contact with convicted persons, necessitating a more rigorous approach to addressing their legal status and the conditions of their confinement.
Criminal and penal law require a deep understanding of procedural nuances and the ability to stay abreast of legislative developments. One of my key practice areas is providing legal support in matters related to sentence execution, including assistance with the transfer of convicted persons to correctional facilities. This procedure involves a thorough analysis of the legal grounds, the preparation of well-reasoned petitions, and effective engagement with the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) to ensure the protection of the client’s rights.
My legal practice includes comprehensive support for criminal cases of any complexity: from developing a defense strategy during the investigation and providing representation in court to ensuring the exercise of all legal rights throughout the term of imprisonment. Professional legal representation ensures the protection of client interests at every stage of the criminal process, compliance with the rule of law, and the provision of expert services in Post-conviction and sentencing matters.