"In 1990 in our country

capital punishment was

applied to over 195 persons..."

In the spring of this year, under Boris Yeltsyn, a new Committee on pardon was created - possibly the first in Russia, because all its members are convicted opponents of capital punishment.

It is formed by 13 persons: writers, scientists and rights protectors.

The main trend is the following: the number of verdicts during the last year was reduced several times. In 1992 in Russia, 37 persons of a total of 89 who are sentenced to capital punishment will remain in prison for 15-20 years instead of being executed.

The New Russian Committee comes forward with initiatives to change a law that introduces life sentence for heavy crimes.

About 2/3 of Russian people are against the abolition of capital punishment.