Armenian-Russian MP Ashot Yeghiazaryan deprived of immunity

MP of Russian Liberal-Democratic party Ashot Yeghiazaryan has been stripped off political immunity by the decision of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on Wednesday.

The decision was made by 352 'yes' votes and by 39 'against.' Five had abstained, Russian news website RIA Novosti reports. It will enter into force immediately and be sent to RF Prosecutor General's Office.

Earlier Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Yuri Chayka submitted a claim to Russian parliament's lower chamber for depriving Yeghiazaryan of mandate.

Previously a motion with the same request was submitted by Head of RF Investigative Committee Alexander Bastarykin.

The claim was satisfied by a majority of vote. The only political force disapproving the decision was the Liberal-Democratic Party.

In their claim against Yeghiazaryan, two of his colleagues accused him of swindling 2 billion Russian rubles.

Ashot Yeghiazaryan is currently abroad and refuses to return to Russia for fear of security threats against him and his family.

The former MP is accused of crimes prescribed by Section 4, Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code (swindling). He will be sentenced to 10 years in prison if found guilty.