STATE DUMA approves EX-PRESIDENTial IMMUNITY

Russia’s State Duma, having considered a bill of guarantees granted to the president of the Russian Federation whose term in office has expired and to the family of such in the second reading, agreed today to endow Russia’s head of state after his term of office has expired with such guarantees. According to RIA Novosti, lawmakers have voted down an amendment initiated by Oleg Utkin of the Yedinstvo faction, who insisted that an ex-president can be sued for criminal or administrative offences he committed during the presidency term in case both houses of the parliament consent to it by a majority of votes. The resolution adopted be the State Duma implies that a Russian president whose term of office has expired is immune and cannot be sued for criminal or administrative offences he committed during the presidency term. Neither may he be arrested, searched or interrogated if the said actions ensue from the proceedings connected with the person's duties as the President of Russia. Immunity applies to residential quarters and office facilities occupied by the president, transport vehicles and communication means he uses, and documents and luggage he owns. The voting drew 216 ballots in favour of the amendment /instead of the required 226/, while 125 deputies voted against and 1 abstained.