MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has unexpectedly released a Jehovah's Witness on probation after a court overturned his 6-1/2 year jail sentence for extremism on appeal, a decision hailed by his lawyer on Tuesday as a "miracle".
The religious group said it welcomed Monday's decision to free Gennady Shpakovskiy, 61, less than two months after he was sentenced in the northwestern city of Pskov, but said it did not mean Russia was showing greater leniency to its adherents.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
