This is how the Kremlin invited to keep Putin in power 2:40
(CNN) ––
Russian lawmakers have introduced a bill that could grant former presidents life immunity from criminal charges beyond their terms.
This was reported on Thursday by the state news agency TASS.
Such a proposal would give current President Vladimir Putin protection from criminal cases if and when he decides to leave office.
Under current Russian law, presidents cannot be prosecuted for crimes committed while in office.
The bill's change seeks to extend immunity beyond its mandates.
So that this protection applies to crimes of the leaders committed while they are alive.
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The measure was introduced by a group of parliamentarians, who evaluated Putin's controversial constitutional amendments earlier this year.
"After the expiration of his mandate, said person has the right to have a level of protection and legal guarantees that is not lower than those granted when he exercised the presidential powers," Senator Andrey Klishas told TASS, co-chair of the group that introduced the bill.
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“This order acts as a guarantee against the unjustified persecution of the former head of state.
And it recognizes the importance of its role in the general system of public power, "he completed.
The legislation must go through three readings in the lower house of Russia's parliament.
Then comes an upper house review and finally Putin's signature to take effect.
Immunity for Putin
Among the first decrees Putin signed when he first took office in 2000 was a document granting immunity to former President Boris Yeltsin, who resigned and chose Putin as his successor.
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The new bill also complicates the immunity revocation process.
Precisely, it demands that the accusation of high treason or other serious crimes be confirmed by the Supreme and Constitutional courts.
These are courts where judges are appointed by the president.
Afterwards, both houses of parliament must support the motion by a two-thirds majority.
Under current law, a former president could be stripped of his immunity if the Investigation Committee opens a criminal case for treason or a felony and has the support of both houses of parliament.
The recent proposal comes a week after Putin introduced another bill related to his constitutional reforms.
The legislation grants former presidents a life seat in the upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council.
The proposed bills have led to speculation about whether this could be a retirement plan for Putin.
The president has the option to remain in power until 2036, due to the constitutional reforms approved this summer.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday in a conference call with journalists that lifetime guarantees for former presidents are not "a novelty" in international law.
He also added that the measure follows constitutional amendments.
Peskov said on Friday that Putin is in good health and has no plans to resign.
Immunity Vladimir Putin