Venice Commission Criticizes Putin’s Amendments to the Russian Constitution

Innovations in Russia’s Basic Law make the Constitutional Court more vulnerable to political pressure, the Venice Commission considers. In addition, Russia will have the opportunity not to implement the ECHR decisions. The European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) on Thursday, June 18, criticized the amendments to the Russian Constitution initiated by President Vladimir Putin. The proposed innovations make the Constitutional Court more vulnerable to political pressure, since the powers of judges can be terminated on the president’s proposal, experts say. The amendments provide for the possibility not to execute decisions of international courts, including the European Court of Human Rights, they are concerned. The Venice Commission called to delete this paragraph. Amendments Provide for Zeroing Presidential Terms for Putin The Russian parliament on March 11 approved a package of innovations in the constitution, initiated by the head of state. Among other things, it provides for the cancellation of the presidential term for Vladimir Putin, which will allow him to once again take the presidency. Russian human rights activists in an open letter called the adoption of the amendments an unconstitutional coup. Moscow and a number of Russian cities witnessed solo pickets against constitutional changes. The Constitutional Court of Russia approved the innovations in the Basic Law. It is expected that a popular vote on the amendments will be held on July 1.