The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the bill on preventing the prosecution and punishment of people in connection with events that took place during peaceful rallies in Ukraine.

The bill on the prevention of persecution and punishment of individuals in connection with the events which took place during peaceful assemblies, and recognition of the several Ukrainian laws as being no longer in effect was supported by 372 lawmakers, including 127 of the Party of Regions faction, 88 of the Batkivschyna, 40 of the UDAR party, 36 of the Svoboda Party, 32 of the Communist Party faction, 49 independent lawmakers.

Lawmakers voted in a fast-track procedure, i.e. without a committee resolution.

The individuals who faced criminal charges for their involvement in peaceful demonstrations will have those charges dropped, the bill's author deputy Yuriy Derevianko (independent) said.

The bill does not allow criminal charges to be brought against the individuals who took part in protests after the bill is passed.

"The bill exempts from administrative liability those individuals who were fined crazy sums and deprived of their driving licenses - that includes Automaidan," Derevianko said.

"(It is) an extremely important law and a second step towards us, Ukraine heading towards calm and accord," the bill's author said.

"A huge number of people have been waiting for this law," Derevianko said.