the judicial system
The Russian leadership highlighted the importance of protecting citizens’ freedoms and constitutional rights during a major gathering of judges. In remarks to the All-Russian Congress of Judges, the prefect of the executive branch emphasized that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are unshakable and should never be forgotten by those who uphold the law.
The spokesperson noted that strengthening respect for human rights within the judicial process leads to faster, more comprehensive error reduction. He warned that challenges and threats facing trials, investigations, and other judicial proceedings cannot justify a superficial or accusatory approach.
At a subsequent session with judges, the leadership called for the rapid integration of new regions into the national judicial framework. Regions admitted to the federation were singled out for special attention to ensure their residents gain the constitutional right to judicial protection. The plan envisions the creation of federal courts in these areas, with ongoing work to form new court structures and bring them under the central system. The effort is described as a crucial step for legal unity and public trust in the judiciary.
The discussion also covered the scope of personnel needs and infrastructure as part of this expansion. Officials highlighted the tasks involved, including selecting qualified court personnel and building modern facilities with the necessary technical support to sustain court operations. The aim is to provide consistent access to fair adjudication across all regions and to reinforce the integrity of the judicial process in the eyes of citizens.
The death penalty problem
During the congress, Valery Zorkin, the president of the Constitutional Court of Russia, spoke on the sensitive topic of the death penalty. The 79-year-old jurist, who has led the court since 2003, referenced recent statements by a deputy prime minister about a potential moratorium on capital punishment. He noted that lifting the moratorium would require constitutional changes that go beyond simple reinterpretation.
According to Zorkin, any revision to permit the death penalty would necessitate amendments to the Constitution. He argued that under current constitutional structure, changes to Article 20, located in the chapter on Citizens’ Rights and Freedoms, demand a process that resembles adopting a new constitution to impart a different meaning. This interpretation underscores the constitutional constraints on altering the regime for capital punishment.
In response to discussions in the State Duma about the death penalty, Zorkin added that proponents must be prepared to follow their stated course. He suggested that if the authors who defend the death penalty are ready to pursue it, then the issue will rest with them and their position will hold the symbolic flag. The exchange reflects a cautious approach to reform that respects the existing constitutional framework and the broader principle of safeguarding human rights within Russia’s legal system. [Citation: Official statements from the congress and the Constitutional Court proceedings]