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The head of the Kremlin has signed a new immunity law that guarantees him and his family impunity for life.
By signing a new immunity law, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ensured permanent protection against criminal prosecution. Even his family does not have to wait for investigations after his resignation from the presidency. The law was published on Tuesday.
High barriers to immunity withdrawal
Until now, the law of inviolability applied to all acts during the mandate. From now on it is also about possible criminal offenses that are known after the start. The new law also foresees greater obstacles to the withdrawal of immunity and a complicated procedure. Withdrawal of immunity is only possible if there is a charge of high treason or in the case of a felony.
The State Duma, the 150-member lower house of parliament, would have to initiate a procedure to lift immunity. The final decision rests with the House of Lords, the Federation Council. Furthermore, the Supreme Court must also give its approval, and the Constitutional Court must render an opinion. “The immunity law in Russia goes far beyond what is known in other countries,” says Markus Ackeret, NZZ correspondent in Moscow.
In the future, a former president must be prevented from being brought to justice. What happens if the opposition comes to power?
Duma deputy Yuri Sinelschtschikow of the Communist Party justified the new law as follows: “In the future, a former president must be prevented from being brought to justice. What happens if the opposition comes to power? “In fact, the government has already announced that it will do everything possible in the event of a change of power to prosecute Putin.
Power shift not in sight
However, the question is how realistic a change of power in Moscow is, says Ackeret: “Putin and his entourage are currently sitting relatively firmly despite all the problems and resentment among the population. Therefore, it is still a very theoretical consideration. “
Currently, the new law does not lead to far-reaching changes, according to Ackeret: “The incumbent president is protected from lawsuits anyway, and Putin will remain in office until 2024.” Putin, 68, had only gained far-reaching powers with a constitutional amendment in the summer. In theory, he can stay in office until 2036.
The immunity law is another way for Putin to protect himself and keep all options open, Ackeret said. Putin has always left open the possibility of running again in the next elections. “The more margin you have, also with regard to the time after a withdrawal, the more flexible you are in your decision whether or not to compete again in 2024.”
