Nadezhda Advakhova, Iusland Law Offices advocate commented on the article «Legislative novels - that it enters into force in May», published on the legal portal «Право.ru».

Nadezhda Advahova explained that judges, agents of the parties, arbitrators, clergy now enjoyed witness immunity in civil cases, and in criminal proceedings, members of the Federation Council, deputies of the State Duma, tax officials and jurors.

After 5 May, the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure will be amended to give the Ombudsman in the Russian Federation and the regional Ombudsmen the right to refuse to testify about information which they have become aware in connection with the performance of their duties.

“By addressing the Ombudsman, citizens seek support and protection of their violated rights. It is, therefore, the preservation of secrecy and the credibility of the institution of ombudsmen that are key to a positive outcome. These changes are particularly relevant for convicted persons and persons under investigation. The introduction by the legislator of the analogy of attorney-client privilege when addressing the Ombudsman will give not only a sense of security, but also a real opportunity to restore the violated right”, Nadezhda believes.

The full article is available at: pravo.ru