Russia's Duma to consider amnesty bill

MOSCOW, June 25 (UPI) -- Russia's lower house of Parliament, the State Duma, said on its website Tuesday it will consider a bill introducing partial amnesty for white-collar crime.

Last week, President Vladimir Putin urged lawmakers to pass the bill, which would provide amnesty to first-time offenders who have agreed to compensate for the damage they have caused.

The bill will be considered in early July, before summer recess begins July 14, Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said.

The Duma must approve bills in three readings before passing the measure to the upper house.

Senior lawmakers told RIA Novosti last week the Duma will pass the bill as soon as possible.