Russia’s upper house of parliament has approved a measure that would give President Vladimir Putin effective control over the body that approves candidates for the country’s higher courts and also disciplines and dismisses senior judges. The plan has drawn fresh criticism that the Kremlin’s centralization of power is undermining, if not eradicating, all potential checks on the executive branch. Under the measure, which was approved Wednesday by a vote of 175 to 2, the composition of the Supreme Qualification Collegium, which appoints members of the country’s federal courts, including the Supreme Court, would be changed. The measure also needs to be approved by the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, which is controlled by pro-Kremlin parties.Full Story