**Russian Supreme Court Chair Dies at 71 After Battle with Illness**
Irina Podnosova, the chair of Russia’s Supreme Court, has passed away in Moscow at the age of 71. According to reports from Russian state news agency TASS, Podnosova died on July 22 after a serious illness that she had been battling for over a year.
Podnosova took the post as head of Russia’s chief judiciary body in April 2024, when she was appointed by President Vladimir Putin as the only candidate. She succeeded Vyacheslav Lebedev, who had served as Supreme Court chair since 1991. Podnosova’s appointment raised eyebrows among human rights experts, who have long criticized Russia’s judicial system for being tightly controlled by the government.
**A Career in Russian Law**
Podnosova graduated from the law faculty of Leningrad State University in 1975, the same year as Putin. She began working at the Supreme Court in 2020, focusing on economic disputes and arbitration cases. However, some have questioned her qualifications for such a high-profile position. According to reports from Russian newspaper Kommersant, Podnosova had no experience with arbitration but was considered an influential person within Russia’s judicial structures.
**Control of the Judiciary**
The Supreme Court is Russia’s court of final appeal, with its 115 members nominated by the President and appointed by the Federation Council, the upper chamber of parliament. Human rights experts have long argued that this setup allows the government to exert significant control over the judiciary, often using it to repress political opponents.
“The Russian judicial system is a key tool for the government to maintain power,” said Martin Fornusek, news editor at Kyiv Independent. “The appointment of judges and the head of the Supreme Court is often a rubber stamp for the President’s will.”
Fornusek notes that Podnosova’s appointment and subsequent death are likely to have little impact on the overall functioning of Russia’s judicial system, which remains under tight government control.
**What’s Next?**
With Podnosova’s passing, Russia’s Supreme Court is likely to be led by a new chair, appointed by Putin. Human rights experts will continue to monitor developments in Russia’s judicial system, seeking reforms that would increase its independence and impartiality.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
