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Russian Lawmaker Votes 11 Times Before Duma Speaker's Death

7/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a shocking turn of events, Russian lawmaker Mikhail Tarasenko cast his vote 11 times during a parliamentary session, just moments before State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin revealed his death. Despite his serious illness, Tarasenko's actions highlight a troubling trend in the Duma, where proxy voting allows lawmakers to participate even when incapacitated or deceased.

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Story summary

In a shocking turn of events, Russian lawmaker Mikhail Tarasenko cast his vote 11 times during a parliamentary session, just moments before State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin revealed his death. Despite his serious illness, Tarasenko's actions highlight a troubling trend in the Duma, where proxy voting allows lawmakers to participate even when incapacitated or deceased.