Russian Duma strips immunity from deputy who opposed Crimea seizure
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian Duma strips immunity from deputy who opposed Crimea seizure, 7 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9dd559.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| 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. |
April 07, 2015
Ilya Ponomaryov, who has lived in the United States since last year, denies wrongdoing and says the embezzlement allegations are politically motivated.
Russia's the lower house of parliament has voted almost unanimously to strip the immunity of lawmaker Ilya Ponomaryov, the only member of the State Duma who voted against the annexation of Crimea last year.
Meeting on April 7, Duma deputies voted 438 to one to remove Ponomaryov's immunity, which paves the way for criminal charges to be brought against him.
Authorities say Ponomaryov, one of the very few opposition lawmakers in the State Duma, is suspected of embezzling some 22 million rubles (about $400,000) earmarked for Skolkovo, an innovation-hub project outside Moscow.
First Deputy Prosecutor-General Aleksandr Buksman attended the Duma session and said there was already enough evidence to charge Ponomaryov.
Ponomaryov, who has lived in the United States since last year, denies wrongdoing and says the embezzlement allegations are politically motivated.
Ponomaryov has already said he has no intention of returning to Russia.
Ekho Moskvy radio last month quoted Ponomaryov as saying, "What's the point of just voluntarily going to prison?"
Based on reporting by Ekho Moskvy, TASS, and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
