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Leonid Bershidsky

How Russia Decided to Allow a Little Domestic Violence

President Vladimir Putin's belief in traditional values triggered the decriminalization of beating family members.
All in the Putin family.

All in the Putin family.

Photographer: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Russian parliament gave preliminary approval to a bill decriminalizing domestic violence. It's part of President Vladimir Putin's push for a return to traditional family values.

QuickTake Vladimir Putin