State Duma Ethics Committee to Review Deputies’ Powers Amid Absence and Legal Cases

The State Duma Committee on Ethics and Jurisdiction Issues is scheduled to review on October 31 the question of stripping parliamentary powers from deputies Vasily Vlasov of the LDPR faction and Vadim Belousov of Fair Russia – For Truth. This update comes from Interfax, citing information provided by committee members Nikolai Kolomeytsev and Yuri Sinelshchikov. The ethics committee’s forthcoming session will address whether both lawmakers should be relieved of their duties and removed from their assistant positions. The public interest in this matter stems from the deputies’ prolonged nonattendance at plenary sessions and committee meetings, a concern that has persisted over an extended period. The commission’s discussion is expected to focus on the deputies’ consistent failure to participate in scheduled gatherings and the possible impact of their absence on the functioning of the State Duma. In response, Vasily Vlasov contends that he did not receive formal invitations to attend the meetings in question and asserts that there are justifications for each day of his absence, should the committee require them. The probe also touches on legal actions involving Belousov, who was placed on a wanted list after being sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison last August for accepting bribes totaling 3.25 billion rubles. The situation surrounding Belousov highlights ongoing legal processes that can influence a deputy’s status and duties within the lower house. Additionally, there are reports concerning a former Chelyabinsk deputy who has been detained for non-payment of taxes amounting to 500 million rubles, which adds another layer of context to the broader issue of accountability and compliance among parliamentarians. In this complex backdrop, the ethics committee’s deliberations aim to determine whether the privileges and responsibilities of these deputies should be amended, suspended, or revoked, and how such actions would align with the principles of parliamentary integrity and public trust. The forthcoming decision will reflect how the Duma handles cases of prolonged absence and serious allegations, and it may set a precedent for how similar situations are managed in the future within the legislative body. Observers note that the outcome could influence internal procedures for addressing absenteeism and sanctions in cases involving both criminal and administrative concerns, ensuring that the institution maintains operational efficiency while upholding due process and the rights of the lawmakers involved. The report from Interfax underscores the gravity of the matter and the role of the ethics commission in upholding standards of conduct within the parliament, even as questions remain about the specifics of invitations, notices, and procedural steps. The dialogue surrounding these events demonstrates the delicate balance between accountability, legal processes, and the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to members of the State Duma. As the committee prepares to meet, the public and political observers alike await a clear articulation of the criteria and timeline that will govern any potential changes to the deputies’ status and duties, signaling how the legislature intends to navigate a high-profile governance issue with transparency and consistency.