Former Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, seen as one of President Vladimir Putin's most loyal associates, has been amnestied under the terms of a December law.
Serdyukov's lawyer, Genrikh Padva, confirmed late March 6 reports that fraud charges lodged against Serdyukov had been dropped.
According to Padva, Serdyukov was amnestied earlier this year but it was agreed that the clemency would not be made public so as "not to stir up society."
Serdyukov was dismissed from his post in November 2012 after investigations into suspected fraud regarding the sale of Defense Ministry property to insiders.
He was suspected of negligence in using government funds and personnel to build a private road at a vacation home.
He was facing up to three months in jail.
Serdyukov's lawyer, Genrikh Padva, confirmed late March 6 reports that fraud charges lodged against Serdyukov had been dropped.
According to Padva, Serdyukov was amnestied earlier this year but it was agreed that the clemency would not be made public so as "not to stir up society."
Serdyukov was dismissed from his post in November 2012 after investigations into suspected fraud regarding the sale of Defense Ministry property to insiders.
He was suspected of negligence in using government funds and personnel to build a private road at a vacation home.
He was facing up to three months in jail.