The Russian government is reportedly preparing to grant mass amnesty to a number of prisoners, including members of the punk group Pussy Riot and the Greenpeace Arctic 30. Leaked documents reported in the Russian media say around 25,000 people will be freed under an initiative from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The amnesty will apparently go before Russian Parliament before the end of the year and be put into effect within the next six months. Two of three Pussy Riot members remain behind bars after protesting in a Moscow church nearly two years ago. The Greenpeace Arctic 30 were arrested in September after trying to stop Russian oil drilling in the Arctic. Also set for apparent release are the Bolotnaya prisoners, opposition activists detained for a protest against Putin’s inauguration last year.
Report: Russia Amnesty to Include Pussy Riot, Arctic 30
HeadlineDec 10, 2013