Law granting immunity to former presidents comes into force in Russia - TASS

A law granting immunity to former Russian presidents comes into force on January 2. 

The law was approved by the Russian State Duma on December 9, by the Federation Council on December 16, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 22, 2020 and published on the same day. The law enters into force ten days after its publication.

Under the document, in order to deprive an ex-president of immunity, the State Duma (lower house) would have to put forward accusations of high treason or gravely serious felonies. 

However, they would have to be confirmed by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. Based on these accusations, the Federation Council would have to decide on revoking an ex-president’s immunity.