MOSCOW, May 16 (RAPSI) - The State Duma is in the process of drafting a resolution aimed at pardoning those who are serving sentences for financial crimes under nearly 50 Criminal Code articles, including those under which Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev were convicted.

According to a document obtained by RIA Novosti, the amnesty could extend to Alexei Navalny, whose embezzlement case is currently being heard in the Leninsky District Court in Kirov.

United Russia members said the draft is still underway, but that the final wording must exclude pardons for corrupt officials and those who are found guilty of substantial financial damage to the country.

The draft resolution reads that criminal cases are to be closed under 44 Criminal Code articles, mostly those dealing with financial crimes, within six months after entry into force. The amnesty will include people sentenced for fraud, embezzlement and property damage.

Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov earlier told RIA Novosti that Vladimir Putin was prepared to discuss an amnesty for financial crimes pending further consideration.

The discussion concerning the 'financial amnesty' arose after business rights ombudsman Boris Titov pleaded with the State Duma to release 111 thousand enterpreneurs from prison. He beleives many of those were pressured into breaking the law by flawed and overly strict financial regulations.