Numerous media sources are now reporting that Russian MPs have backed an amnesty that may include Pussy Riot and the Greenpeace Arctic protesters.

The law was unanimously approved at its third reading by the State Duma in Moscow and it is expected to come into force within days.

It is thought to cover at least 20,000 prisoners, including some, but not all, of the political protesters arrested during clashes with police after Vladimir Putin’s inauguration as Russian president for a third term last year.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who is due for release next August, is not expected to be covered by the amnesty. It is also unlikely that opposition leader Alexei Navalny will have his recent five-year suspended sentence quashed.

The amnesty marks the 20th anniversary of Russia’s post-Soviet constitution. It will take effect once it is published but the releases are expected to take place over six months.

Amnesty International, who have designated both Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev as Prisoners of Conscience have responded by stating: “It is difficult to welcome the amnesty law adopted by the Russian Duma today…While it will no doubt benefit many victims of injustice, it will not erase the criminal records of those wrongfully convicted.”

“This amnesty law is no substitute for an effective, independent justice system. Indeed, it is further proof of the politicization of justice in Russia,” John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia director.

Read more from the BBC HERE

Read more from CNN HERE

Read more from the Moscow Times HERE