- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
- Messages
- 222
- Points
- 0
Putin critic expelled
Date September 16, 2012
MOSCOW - Russia's parliament has taken the rare step of expelling one of its members, a veteran lawmaker and former KGB officer who last year crossed a political line in the sand when he joined crowds calling for the ousting of President Vladimir Putin.
The legislator, Gennady Gudkov, was stripped of his mandate because he was accused of operating a business while holding office, which violates Russian law.
The political context, however, left little doubt that the move was driven by Mr Gudkov's support for the opposition and his role as a link between street activists and dissenters within the government.
Authorities are now considering opening a criminal case against Mr Gudkov, who no longer has immunity.
