Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
His death was announced shortly after the passing of a controversial bill.
His death was announced shortly after the passing of a controversial bill.
What is happening?
In a bizarre twist out of Moscow, a Russian lawmaker was officially listed as participating in 11 parliamentary votes on the very day he died from a severe illness, BBC News Russian reports.
Dies Amid Legislative Session
Mikhail Tarasenko, a 77-year-old member of the ruling United Russia party, passed away on Tuesday, according to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin.
Tarasenko had been seriously ill in the lead-up to his death, Volodin confirmed.
Death Announced Moments After Controversial Bill Passed
Tarasenko’s death was made public shortly after the Duma passed a contentious bill aimed at expanding the government’s power to search for so-called “extremist” content online.
Critics argue the measure will tighten state control over digital spaces even further.
Voting Records Show Tarasenko Participated
Despite being deceased or gravely ill, official records show Tarasenko cast votes on 11 different pieces of legislation Tuesday.
This included support for several non-controversial laws—raising questions about the authenticity of his participation.
One Vote Backed Benefits for War Widows
Among the measures Tarasenko reportedly voted for was a bill allowing widows of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine to use their late husbands’ vehicles before they inherit them—a gesture framed as compassionate, though symbolic.
Proxy Voting Suspected
BBC News Russian suggested that Tarasenko’s voting card was likely used by a colleague in his absence.
While technically against the rules, such proxy voting has been informally tolerated in past sessions when deputies fall ill.
A Veteran of Parliament and the Steel Industry
Tarasenko wasn’t new to Russian politics. He had served in the State Duma since 2007 and was a former steelworker with decades of experience leading labor unions in the metallurgical sector.
Key Role in Social and Veterans Affairs
At the time of his death, Tarasenko was an active member of the Duma’s Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs—a role that aligned with his lifelong focus on workers’ rights and social protections.
Critics Highlight Democratic Transparency Issues
The possible posthumous voting record has reignited criticism of Russia’s legislative transparency and accountability.
Human rights activists argue that incidents like this undermine trust in democratic processes.
