A Russian senator submitted his resignation March 26 after a leading opposition anti-corruption crusader accused him of having property abroad and holding Israeli citizenship under a Hebrew name.
Vitaly Malkin, a member of Russia’s upper house, the Federation Council, disputed the charge, saying he had renounced his passport in 2007 after a law was passed in 2006 banning state officials from having dual nationality.
“I have not been a citizen of Israel since August 2007,” Malkin, 60, said at a specially called meeting at the Federation Council, noting he was stepping down to protect his reputation and that of the chamber.
He resigned after Alexei Navalny, arguably the most charismatic leader of Russia’s opposition movement, posted documents online showing Malkin had Israeli citizenship under the Hebrew name Avihur Ben Bar. — ynetnews.com