Russia's parliament passed a bill that will likely grant amnesty to the punk rock band Pussy Riot and the Greenpeace Arctic 30 including Australian activist Colin Russell, raising hopes that the latter group will be able to spend the holidays with their families in their home countries.

The Arctic 30 were arrested and eventually charged with “hooliganism” because of their protest against Russia’s plans to drill for oil in the arctic.  Most of them are foreign nationals, and have been bailed out of jail but were forbidden from leaving Russia.

The members of Pussy Riot were jailed for their “Punk Prayer” protest in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour against increasing authoritarianism and the influence of the Orthodox Church in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.  With or without amnesty, they were due to be freed from prison in three months, anyway.

The amnesty marks the 20th anniversary of Russia's post-Soviet constitution.  At least 20,000 prisoners, including minors, invalids, veterans, pregnant women, and mothers will be covered.  But prominent political foes of Vladimir Putin will not:  That includes former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, and opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Amnesty International welcomed the decision, but lamented that it apparently does not cover many prisoners of conscience, including many currently standing trial in connection with the 2012 Bolotnaya Square protest.

“This Amnesty Law is no substitute for an effective, independent justice system.  Indeed, it is further proof of the politicization of justice in Russia,” said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia Director.