Russian State Duma adopts law extending presidential immunity

Russian lawmakers have approved a law guaranteeing legal immunity for former presidents in its third reading. Passing this bill brings the country’s legislation in line with the latest version of the Russian constitution, which was amended following a nationwide vote earlier this year.

As Meduza reported previously, the law on extending presidential immunity effectively protects former Russian presidents from prosecution for both criminal and administrative violations after they leave office. In addition, it complicates the procedures for stripping a former head of state of legal immunity.