Putin Pardons 23 Women in Presidential Clemency Decision

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree granting pardons to 23 women, Valery Fadeev, head of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights said. Fadeev said the decision followed earlier discussions about the possibility of an amnesty or individual pardons raised during a meeting with the president in December. "You may recall that the issue of a possible amnesty or pardons was discussed in December. The president has now signed a decree pardoning 23 women. Those pardoned include individuals who have children and relatives participating in the special military operation,” Fadeev stated.