New laws published in Russia also apply to the family of the former president. Mr. Putin, 68, had just passed a controversial constitutional amendment over the summer that granted him more privileges that theoretically allowed him to stay in office until 2036. The Kremlin leader has yet to say whether he will run again in the next presidential election in 2024. Meduza.io, an independent portal, wrote that former President Dmitry Medvedev had also been granted immunity from prosecution for life.
Until now, the president has enjoyed immunity from criminal offences only while in office. But from now on, there will also be immunity from prosecution for crimes that might come to light after the president leaves office. The new law also prevents former heads of state from being questioned or arrested by police or prosecutors for the rest of their lives, and bans future home searches of former presidents.
Immunity gets in the way
But under the new law, former Russian presidents can still be stripped of their immunity and prosecuted by a constitutional judge if charged with treason or other serious crimes. The process would be initiated by the Duma, but the final decision would be made by the Federal Council. However, the bill gives former presidents lifetime seats in the Senate or on powerful federal committees. Both positions are protected from prosecution.
The lower house of the Russian parliament also approved another controversial law, namely the provision on the confidentiality of the data of personnel of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, as well as the military and security services. The law still needs Mr. Putin’s signature and approval before it can take effect, a step that is seen as a formality.
Recent Comments