Council of Europe report on Russian constitutional change slams ‘disproportionate’ strengthening of President Putin’s position

The amendments made to Russia’s constitution go “beyond what is appropriate” and seriously affect the balance of power. That’s according to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which published a report on Tuesday. … Read More >Council of Europe report on Russian constitutional change slams ‘disproportionate’ strengthening of President Putin’s position

Lukashenko drops bombshell by announcing intention to leave Belarusian presidency once new constitution is adopted

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will not be president of the country under a new constitution, he said in a surprise statement Friday. The news comes a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a visit to Minsk. … Read More >Lukashenko drops bombshell by announcing intention to leave Belarusian presidency once new constitution is adopted

Covid-19 ‘compliance units’ hit Maryland streets after governor says Americans have ‘no constitutional right’ to refuse face masks

Maryland has deployed police “compliance units” across the state to ensure adherence to its Covid-19 restrictions at bars, restaurants and anywhere else people might gather, ramping up enforcement just in time for Thanksgiving. … Read More >Covid-19 ‘compliance units’ hit Maryland streets after governor says Americans have ‘no constitutional right’ to refuse face masks

Ex-Russian presidents could become senators for life after leaving Kremlin, as Putin submits draft law to parliament

As part of a package of bills, Vladimir Putin has submitted a draft law to parliament which would allow former Russian presidents to become senators for life after leaving office, and also appoint seven other lifers to the body. … Read More >Ex-Russian presidents could become senators for life after leaving Kremlin, as Putin submits draft law to parliament

Ukraine’s Zelensky accused of mounting ‘coup’ in seeking to dissolve Constitutional Court that struck down corruption law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted a bill to break up the country’s Constitutional Court, after its judges controversially canceled an anti-corruption law punishing public servants for lying about their income. … Read More >Ukraine’s Zelensky accused of mounting ‘coup’ in seeking to dissolve Constitutional Court that struck down corruption law

Keep your cash in the country: New law means Russia’s most important officials will be banned from having foreign bank accounts

Members of Russia’s Security Council will be forbidden from keeping their money and valuables in banks outside of Russia, after the country’s parliament passed a law restricting financial freedoms for the most powerful officials. … Read More >Keep your cash in the country: New law means Russia’s most important officials will be banned from having foreign bank accounts

President Zelensky must speak Ukrainian, but only while conducting his ‘constitutional’ duties, Kiev’s Supreme Court rules

Ukraine’s top court has ruled that Volodymyr Zelensky must only use the country’s state language when exercising his official duties as president, after a citizen claimed he broke the law by speaking Russian at a public event. … Read More >President Zelensky must speak Ukrainian, but only while conducting his ‘constitutional’ duties, Kiev’s Supreme Court rules