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In Russia, Drunk Driver Who Killed Seven Jailed


A Russian drunk driver who triggered nationwide debate after killing seven people, including five orphan children, in a road accident last year has been sentenced to prison.

A Moscow court has ordered Aleksandr Maksimov to serve 8 1/2 years in prison.

Maksimov sparked an outcry in Russia last fall when he crashed his car into a bus stop at 200 kilometers per hour while drunk and high on cannabis.

Officials, including President Vladimir Putin, scrambled to propose stronger drunk-driving penalties and road-safety measures.

Each year, approximately 30,000 Russians die in road accidents.

Based on reporting by AP and ITAR-TASS

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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