Russia’s lawmakers quit the European Court of Human Rights

Russia’s lawmakers voted to quit the European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday amid the conflict with the Council of Europe. Subsequently, the parliament passed a pair of bills, ending the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisdiction in the country.

One bill aims to remove the country from the court’s jurisdiction and the second bill sets March 15 as the cut-off point, which means rulings against Russia made after that date will not be implemented. Reportedly, the bill needs to be signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin before becoming law.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to expel Russia from the organization in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Later on, Russia said that it independently decided to leave the Council of Europe.

The Council of Europe was founded after World War Two to promote human rights and democracy in Europe, under President Boris Yeltsin. The Council of Europe is responsible for the European Convention on Human Rights.