Irina Podnosova, the chair of Russia’s Supreme Court, has died at the age of 71 following an illness. She assumed her position as the head of the country’s top judicial body on April 17, 2024, after being nominated as the only candidate by President Vladimir Putin. Her death marks the loss of a key figure in Russia’s judicial system.
Podnosova’s tenure at the helm of the Supreme Court began following her appointment, which was confirmed by the Russian government. The appointment process was highly controlled, with Putin selecting her as the sole candidate for the role. Her passing has raised questions about the future direction of Russia’s judiciary and the potential for new appointments to fill her void.
Prior to her role as Supreme Court chair, Podnosova held various positions within the Russian legal system, contributing to the development of the country’s judicial framework. Her death is a significant event in the context of Russia’s political and legal landscape, especially given her close ties to the executive branch. The Russian government is expected to announce the next steps in the judicial leadership following her passing.