penal

The amendment to the penal code, demanded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and approved by the National Security Committee, was approved by 39 votes to 16.

Earlier this year, Kurashov told the BBC he had joined the Storm V assault unit in exchange for early release from a remote penal colony in Russia where he was serving a sentence for theft.

Mexico's 32 states and Mexico City, which is a federal entity, all have their own penal codes.

The National Security Committee approved the amendment to the penal code, which will now be passed onto the parliament for its first reading.

Prison sources have told the BBC early releases have meant "more comings and goings" across the penal estate.