Amnesty in U.S.S.R.

Press, Issue 33846, 19 May 1975, Page 15

Amnesty in U.S.S.R.

(N Z P A Reuter—Copyright)

MOSCOW. May 18.

The Soviet Government i has announced a qualified amnesty for women and minors in prison or under investigation.

The amnesty, meant as a gesture to International Women’s ’"ear, parallels one for war veterans, their widows, and elderly men and women, announced 10 days ago to mark the 30th anniversary Of the end of World War II in Europe. As published in the Government newspapei “Izvestia,” the new amnesty applies to women and minors serving sentences of up to five years, and also cuts by half the remaining terms of women and minors serving more than five years. In addition, it covers mothers of minority-age children, expectant mothers, women over 55, and invalids.

However, the list of exceptions takes up more than half the decree, and includes people sentenced for “especially dangerous State crimes,” a wide range of other crimes, and most habitual offenders.

Observers said the amnesty appeared to exclude the release of dissidents and others sentenced on political charges.

Visit ends The United States guided-] missile frigate Leahy and the guided-missile destroyer Tattinall left Leningrad yesterday after the first visit by United States warships to a Soviet port since World War Two. The five-day visit coincided with a visit to Boston by two Soviet warships, the Boik and the Zhguchi, as part of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany. — Moscow, May 18.