EU criticizes Russian law easing domestic violence penalties

In January, Russia's parliament gave final approval to the bill eliminating criminal liability for battery on family members that doesn't cause bodily harm, making it punishable instead by a fine or a 15-day arrest.

The EU's commissioner for justice and gender equality, Vera Jourova, told the European Parliament on Wednesday that "Russia's recent actions send the wrong message about the country's commitment to tackling violence against women and children."