Confirmed in office

Putin’s fellow student now head of supreme court

Vladimir Putin's former fellow student was appointed Chief Justice.(Bild: AFP)

A former fellow student of Russian President Vladimir Putin, 70-year-old Irina Podnosova, has been appointed as the head of the Supreme Court in Russia. This is a seamless continuation of the Russian ruler's systematic subjugation of the judiciary.

The Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, unanimously approved the decision, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday. Podnosova was nominated for the post by the Kremlin at the beginning of April.

Studying with Putin in St. Petersburg
Podnosova was born in Pskov on October 29, 1953. She graduated from the Faculty of Law at Leningrad State University - now St. Petersburg State University - in 1975. She studied there together with Putin. Most recently, she was the deputy chairwoman of the Supreme Court.

In the past, 71-year-old Putin has repeatedly elevated friends and companions from his time in St. Petersburg as well as relatives to lucrative positions. Critics of the regime complain of widespread favoritism, which the head of state has long used to secure his power.

Kremlin chief further cements his power
In the past, Putin has also had the Russian constitution amended to protect him from prosecution. Podnossova should provide additional assurance that the judiciary in Russia will act in the interests of the ruler in the Kremlin.

Podnossova's appointment comes into force immediately. She has been elected for a period of six years. She succeeds Vyacheslav Lebedev, who died in February at the age of 80 after more than 30 years at the head of the Supreme Court.