Law as Politics: The Russian Procuracy and its Investigative Committee

Abstract

This article examines how the Russian Presidential Administration under President Putin has misused the Procuracy for political purposes in high profile cases. After examining background, the Procuracy's history, constitutional structure and obligations to the Council of Europe, the article observes that the Procuracy has used its investigative and prosecutorial powers selectively; played a role in expropriating private property; and promoted illusory anti-corruption campaigns. It argues that the Russian Presidential Administration created the Procuracy's important new Investigative Committee for corrupt political purposes. Using specific examples, it explores the Investigative Committee's record during its five months' of operation. It concludes that under President Putin, Russian law enforcement became increasingly politicized and degraded.

Keywords: Russia, law enforcement, criminal law, investigation, prosecution

JEL Classification: K14, K33, K42