A reform aimed at easing overcrowding in prisons came into force Sunday.
The amendments to the Criminal Code allow people convicted of minor offenses such as slander, fraud and theft to be placed under house arrest for two to four months instead of being sent to prison. People convicted of more serious crimes, including attempted murder, will be able to serve out part of their six- to 24-month sentences at home as well.
The eased rules will not apply to soldiers, foreigners and people without citizenship. The reform is expected to free 113,000 prisoners, RIA-Novosti reported. Prisons now hold about 1 million inmates.
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