Russia's youth corrections system to apply new education law

MOSCOW, August 30 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's juvenile correctional facilities have confirmed their readiness to apply a new education law that extends compulsory general education from nine to 11 years.

The law, approved by the Russian Federation Council in early July, will enter into force September 1, the official start of the school year in Russia.

"Our schools are the same as ordinary ones," a Federal Penitentiary Service spokesman said, adding that no serious problems concerning the new legislation are expected.

He said that all 62 juvenile correctional facilities in Russia will now provide the three-step compulsory general education for convicts (about 12,000 young people between 14 and 18) at 294 evening schools and 222 study support centers.