Russia's lower house ofparliament has passed a bill giving amnesty for most crimes committedby World War II veterans, Nazi concentration camp prisoners and peoplewho lived through the siege of Leningrad.
The bill was proposed as part of Russia's observance in May of the 65th anniversary of the end of European fighting in the war.
Thebill, if signed into law, is estimated to effect 100 to 200 criminals.It does not cover those convicted of murder or of sexual crimes againstminors.
The 450-member State Duma passed the measure Friday by a vote of 437-0, with two lawmakers abstaining.