66 The Death Penalty in the OSCE Area On 3 June 1999, a presidential decree commuted the sentences of all individuals on death row to either life or 25 years’ imprisonment. Method of execution Shooting146 Statistics Death sentences None Executions None International Safeguards Pregnant women and minors Women and individuals who were below the age of 18 at the time of the crime cannot be sentenced to death.147 Pardon or commutation The Constitution gives the president authority to grant clemency.148 The death penalty can be commuted to life imprisonment or deprivation of liberty for 25 years.149 Clemency commissions in each of the constituent entities consider appeals for clemency and make recommendations to the president.150 All cases concerning individuals sentenced to death are automatically considered regardless of whether the sentenced person has submitted an appeal for clemency. Sentences are not executed until a decision on clemency has been issued.151 Relatives Relatives are not informed in advance of the date of execution. The body is not returned, and the place of burial is not disclosed.152 146 147 Article 186 of the Criminal Executive Code, 8 January 1997. Article 59 (2) of the Criminal Code. This article also stipulates that the death penalty cannot be applied to men who are over the age of 65 at the time when the sentence is pronounced. 148 149 150 Article 89 (c) of the Constitution. Articles 59 (3) of the Criminal Code. A single Presidential Pardon Commission was replaced by regional commissions in each of the constituent entities by Presidential Decree No. 1500 “On the procedure for consideration of clemency appeals in the Russian Federation”, 28 December 2001. 151 152 Article 184 of the Criminal Executive Code. Article 186(4) of the Criminal Executive Code.