A bill submitted to Ukraine’s parliament proposes tougher penalties for officials who unlawfully detain or hold people during mobilization and notification procedures. According to the accompanying documents, MP Heorhii Mazurashu initiated the amendments to Article 146-1 of the Criminal Code.

The draft covers confinement without legal grounds in military administration buildings, assembly centers or military units, as well as detention beyond the period permitted by law. It would also criminalize forcibly taking a detainee’s communication device or blocking access to it when such actions are committed by designated military officials.

Proposed sentences range from five to seven years for the core offenses and up to eight years for knowingly issuing an unlawful order or failing to stop misconduct by subordinates. Aggravated cases involving violence, minors, multiple victims, coordinated groups or degrading treatment could carry prison terms of seven to 12 years.

The initiative does not by itself end coercive practices commonly described in public debate as “busification.” Its effect would depend on adoption by parliament, entry into force and consistent enforcement by investigators, prosecutors and courts.