MOSCOW, 23 December, 2020, (TON): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed legislation that will grant former presidents lifetime immunity once they leave office.

The bill, which was published online on Tuesday, gives former presidents and their families’ immunity from prosecution for crimes committed during their lifetime.

It also exempts them from being detained, questioned, arrested or subjected to searches.

The new law was part of a package of constitutional amendments approved by voters earlier this year that could allow Putin, 68, to remain in office until 2036. Putin has yet to say if he will seek re-election in 2024.

Prior to the bill becoming law, former presidents were immune from prosecution only for crimes committed while in office.

Among other things, the process involves the upper house of Parliament voting overwhelmingly to revoke it on the strength of accusations by the lower house that the president has committed treason or another serious crime.

The other laws signed by Putin allow presidents to name up to 30 senators to the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house, and to join the Council themselves once they have left office.

A former leader becomes a senator automatically from the moment he applies for the position.

The new law also allows a former head of state to appoint seven more lifetime senators. Such a possibility is reserved for Russians who have outstanding services to the country in the field of state and public activities.

On Tuesday, the Lower House State Duma also passed legislation making information about employees of Russia’s judicial system, law enforcement and regulatory and military bodies confidential.

The bill now requires Putin’s signature to become law, a step that is considered a formality.