Ukraine simplifies procedure for stripping lawmakers of immunity
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine simplifies procedure for stripping lawmakers of immunity, 16 January 2014, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/53314414d.html [accessed 27 December 2015] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 16, 2014
By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
Lawmakers voted for the amendment by a show of hands, not electronically, as the opposition has been blocking the parliament's podium since January 14.
KYIV – Ukraine's parliament has approved simplified procedures for detaining or arresting lawmakers.
According to amendments adopted on January 16 to parliamentary regulations, parliament can decide if a lawmaker can be stripped of immunity.
Previously, a parliamentary committee had to preapprove rescinding a deputy's immunity.
Lawmakers voted for the amendment by a show of hands, not electronically, as the opposition has been blocking the parliament's podium since January 14.
The leader of the ruling Party of Regions faction in parliament, Oleksandr Yefremov, told reporters that now it will be "scary" for some lawmakers "to be heroes without parliamentary mandates."
The leader of the opposition Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) faction, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, told journalists that the parliamentary session was illegitimate as its goal was to make it possible to persecute opposition lawmakers.
With reporting by UNIAN
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
