MOSCOW
Russia's State Duma voted Friday to grant an amnesty to prisoners sentenced for non-violent crimes, ahead of the 70th anniversary of Victory Day.
A total of 442 deputies in the lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly approved the draft bill to honor the victory of the WWII allies over Nazi Germany, which Russia celebrates on May 9.
Between 350,000 and 400,000 people could benefit from the amnesty, which will not apply to prisoners sentenced for more serious crimes including murder, terrorism, racketeering, fraud or bribery.
The last such amnesty in Russia was declared on Dec. 18, 2013 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Russian constitution; about 70,000 prisoners were freed.
