18 Dec 2013 13:23

State Duma passes amnesty resolution in second reading

MOSCOW. Dec 18 (Interfax) - The State Duma has passed in the second reading the presidential amnesty bill dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Russian constitution.

The document frees from serving one's punishment and bearing criminal liability convicts with socially disadvantaged backgrounds, certain categories of suspected offenders and defendants, and persons who have merits to their homeland, Russia.

The third reading of the draft is scheduled for Wednesday.