You're reading: Ex-KGB opposition lawmaker faces Russia’ Duma expulsion

MOSCOW — A former KGB officer who has openly rebelled against President Vladimir Putin is facing expulsion from Parliament in a case that highlights a growing split in the Russian political elite.

The
Kremlin-controlled Duma will vote Friday on stripping Gennady Gudkov of
his seat after a committee accepted a report by the country’s top
investigators finding that he ran his own business. Although Gudkov
faces no charges, Russian lawmakers are barred from running businesses.

Gudkov maintains his innocence and describes efforts to kick him out as “political revenge.”

Gudkov has taken an active role in opposition protests against Putin, himself a former KGB officer.

The Incomes Committee voted 8 to 5 with one abstention Monday to approve putting up a motion to expel Gudkov.