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70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

More than 2,200 people amnestied for 70th anniversary of Victory Day

Release will cover individuals sentenced for minor offences. There is no amnesty for those behind bars for grave crimes such as murder, terrorism, drug trafficking and kidnapping

© ITAR-TASS/Stanislav Krasilnikov

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First prisoners to walk free under Russian Victory Day amnesty before May 9 — lawmaker

MOSCOW, May 7. /TASS/. More than 2,200 people have been amnestied for the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, Russian Federal Penitentiary Service acting deputy director Valery Maximenko said on Thursday.

"A total of 2,236 people have been released from institutions of the penitentiary system. This is yesterday’s data. It [the amnesty] continues, [people] are released every day," Maximenko said.

He reminded that people will be amnestied for the next six months. "Over this period of time, it is planned to release up to 60,000 people," Maximenko noted.

State Duma deputies in Russia's parliamentary lower house voted unanimously in April for a presidential draft amnesty. Amnesty could be granted for up to 60,000 in prison and up to 200,000 with suspended sentences.

Release will cover individuals sentenced for minor offences, people with minimal social protection, juveniles, women with underage children, elderly people and those convicted for crimes through negligence.

There is no amnesty for those behind bars for grave crimes such as murder, terrorism, drug trafficking and kidnapping.

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70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany

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