Anti-Putin Deputy Stripped of Mandate

Gennady Gudkov recently criticised the Kremlin

Russia's lower house of parliament Friday stripped a leading anti-Vladimir Putin deputy of his mandate, in an unusual move critics said was revenge for his scathing criticism of the Kremlin.

The State Duma voted 291 in favor with 150 against and three abstentions to strip 'A Just Russia' party member Gennady Gudkov of his mandate over alleged conflicting business interests.

Gudkov immediately walked out of the chamber, shaking his fist in defiance and embracing his party colleagues in farewell.