25 Nov 2013 18:11

Putin signs bill authorizing courts to sentence drug addicts to compulsory treatment

MOSCOW. Nov 25 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill authorizing courts to send drug addicts for compulsory treatment.

The bill, posted on the official Internet portal of legal information on Monday, amends Russian Criminal Code Article 72, according to which, "courts can place an obligation to undergo treatment for drug addiction and medical and/or social rehabilitation" on a convict when sentencing an individual suffering from drug addiction.

In this case, penal inspections should see that a convict complies with the court ruling.

The bill was signed on November 25 and comes into effect in 180 days after it has been published officially.