Support The Moscow Times!

Putin Picks Pamfilova for Human Rights Ombudsman Role

NOVO-OGARYOVO — President Vladimir Putin formally nominated an outspoken Kremlin critic as Russia's next human rights ombudsman on Thursday, saying he expected her to watch Russia's political life with "a critical eye."

Putin told rights activists on Jan. 23 that he would formally nominate Ella Pamfilova, former head of the Kremlin human rights council, to the post after a meeting with her.

The appointment followed the president's meeting with Pamfilova and outgoing ombudsman Vladimir Lukin, whose second and final term expires on Feb. 18.

"Before launching formal legal procedures, I should ask whether you agree" with the appointment, Putin said, addressing Pamfilova.

"Of course, I agree," she replied. "I believe that I'm going to succeed. I would like to say that the most important thing is to be honest in doing your work, honest and consistent."

Lukin earlier endorsed Pamfilova's nomination, as did a number of prominent independent activists.

Pamfilova's appointment will have to be approved by the State Duma before mid-March.

Russia established the institution of ombudsman in 1994. The official has powers to sue and to submit complaints to state agencies and the Duma on behalf of people whose rights have been violated in the country.

Pamfilova, a former federal minister and liberal lawmaker, was appointed in 2004 to head the presidential human rights council.

The Kremlin advisory body has a track record of criticizing Russian authorities, including on the cases of the jailed Yukos head Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was freed in December, and the death in custody of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

Pamfilova resigned from her post in 2010, under then President Dmitry Medvedev, citing the council's inability to influence Kremlin policy.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more