Russia to decriminalise domestic violence
President Vladimir Putin reportedly bows to pressure from Orthodox church and ultra-conservative MPs

Russian politicians are set to pass new legislation that decriminalises all acts of domestic violence with the exception of rape and serious bodily harm.
Under the new law, which could be signed by the end of the week, beating a spouse or child will be punishable by a fine of less than £400, a nominal 15 days of "administrative arrest", or community service. Only broken bones, concussion or repeated offences will lead to criminal charges.
"Passage of this law would be a huge step backward for Russia, where victims of domestic violence already face enormous obstacles to getting help or justice," said Human Rights Watch.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It "marks a rapid volte-face by the government", says The Independent, with President Vladimir Putin bowing to pressure from the Russian Orthodox church and ultra-conservative MPs, who bitterly opposed new amendments to criminalise violence against relatives passed by the Duma last year.
According to Russian interior ministry estimates, 14,000 women a year die at the hands of their husbands or partners, while 600,000 a year face violent domestic abuse.
Russia's only domestic violence hotline, the Anna Centre, says as many as one in three women suffer physical abuse at the hands of their partners, while 40 per cent of all violent crimes or murders take place in the home.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 weather-beaten cartoons about the Texas floods
Cartoons Artists take on funding cuts, politicizing tragedy, and more
-
What has the Dalai Lama achieved?
The Explainer Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader has just turned 90, and he has been clarifying his reincarnation plans
-
Europe's heatwave: the new front line of climate change
In the Spotlight How will the continent adapt to 'bearing the brunt of climate change'?
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
Trump says Putin vowed retaliation for Kyiv strike
speed read The Russian president intends to respond to Ukraine's weekend drone strikes on Moscow's warplanes
-
Why are military experts so interested in Ukraine's drone attack?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The Zelenskyy government's massive surprise assault on Russian airfields was a decisive tactical victory — could it also be the start of a new era in autonomous warfare?
-
Is Trump giving up on Ukraine-Russia peace?
Today's Big Question White House says president is 'weary and frustrated' with conflict
-
Trump drops ceasefire demand after Putin call
speed read Following a phone call with Russia's president, Trump backed off an earlier demand that Putin agree to an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine
-
Putin talks nukes as Kyiv slated for US air defenses
speed read 'I hope they will not be required,' Putin said of nuclear weapons on Russian state TV
-
Ukraine-US minerals deal: is Trump turning away from Putin?
Today's Big Question US shows 'exasperation' with Russia and signs agreement with Ukraine in what could be a significant shift in the search for peace
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come