Vladimir Putin has pardoned and freed from jail a twisted murderer who hammered to death his own gran - because he fought in Ukraine.
Killer Dmitry Karyagin, 36, was jailed for fourteen-and-a-half years for killing his 87-year-old grandmother Zoya Anastasenko to death with a hammer in 2014 after forcing her to sell her flat.
Karyagin was granted the amnesty because the convicted man served - and survived - six months at the frontline in his illegal war fighting Ukraine.
He had served only six years in the strict regime penal colony where he was recruited to fight in the war.
Karyagin bludgeoned his grandmother, who was a veteran in the Second World War, to death with a hammer after forcing her to sell her flat.
He took home £8,200 then stashed her remains in the garage where he brutally murdered her.
The twisted killer went on the run from police and Zoya's corpse was only found a year later.
Karyagin is now hailed as a war hero for joining pro-Kremlin private army Wagner under a controversial fight-for-Putin scheme for jail inmates - and taking part in the illegal invasion of Ukraine for six months.
He now qualifies for freedom with his conviction wiped.
Karyagin was in the first group to do so, although many jail recruits have been killed in the war, and critics say they are Putin's cannon fodder.
The plan was widely slammed as many of the troops ended up being killed as Putin desperately tries to get prisoners released back on the streets and fighting.
In the coming weeks and months, hundreds of murderers, rapists, robbers, financial criminals, gangsters, and drug dealers will be allowed back into society by Putin - after they complete their time as fighters.
Agenstvo.News reported that Karyagin is now in resort Anapa undergoing rehabilitation after being wounded.
He posted that he will be “home soon”.
Wagner is estimated to have 50,000 troops, of which some 40,000 are prisoners.
Karyagin’s release and others qualifying for release were overseen by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close Putin crony.
He told those criminals winning their freedom: “Don't drink too much, don't use drugs, don't rape women, don't create trouble.
“The police should treat you with respect.”
Many prisoners being freed have signed new contracts to return as fighters after 45 days.
