Vedomosti

[Centurius]

Tsarina Forms Assembly, to Write Constitution

 

 

Petrograd - Following years of reconstruction Tsarina Natalia has formed an assembly with the objective of writing a constitution which is to set the basis for a new Duma established by democratic elections. Additionally the Assembly has been tasked with establishing fundamental rights every Russian has regardless of race, gender or religion. The Assembly is composed of representatives from all factions within the Tsardom.

 

While opening up the governing of the country to greater democratic control the Tsarina has made it clear that ultimate power within the Tsardom will remain with her however the new State Duma is to be able to directly check the use of it and serve in an advisory role.

 

The move is expected to ease many of the lingering issues left in the wake of the Civil War and to prevent any future revolution from rising and destroying Russia.

[Centurius]

Ministry of Imperial Security Founded

 

 

Petrograd/Moscow - To guarantee the security of the Tsardom of Russia the Tsarina has founded the Ministry of Imperial Security, the Ministry has been granted the mandate to protect the Tsardom against all threats foreign or domestic. Unlike other Ministries the Ministry of Imperial Security will be located in Moscow and the former headquarters of the All-Russia Insurance Company has been handed over to it. During the civil war the building served as a secret police headquarters for the Bolsheviks.

 

The exact structure of the Ministry remains unclear.

 

---

 

The public statement which was issued to the various newspapers wasn't exactly wrong, what it was though was incomplete. Within the Ministry three distinct groups would be founded. The Department for Protecting the Public Security and Order or 'Okhrana', the regular police and the Special Corps of Gendarmes. The structure of the latter two was pretty simple. They were police forces and special police forces much like other contemporaries. The Okhrana however would be a special case, the secret police force and intelligence agency was divided into four separate departments.

 

The First Department would serve as the foreign intelligence agency, its tasks were to obtain information on the activities of foreign states, especially states deemed a threat. The need for this department became obvious with the rise of fascist movements and the continued existence of the Ottoman Empire.

The Second Department was the domestic intelligence agency, its tasks were pretty innocent. Primarily gathering evidence of any plots against the state from a domestic origin. It would also overtly be in charge of censorship.

 

The final two departments, unlike the previous two, were made to be directly under the command of the Tsarina rather than either the Chief of the Department for Protecting the Public Security and Order or the Minister of Imperial Security.

 

The Third Department was the true secret police force of Russia, it had an exclusive mandate to act against any threat to the state with force. No one, besides the Tsarina herself, was beyond the reach of the Third Department. It was given the authority to make arrests and provide the Second Department with lists of publications to censor.

The Fourth Department was the counter-intelligence element of the Okhrana. It was tasked to find any foreign spy within the Tsardom and make sure any spy would give up everything it knew before promptly being executed.

 

Former members of equivalent agencies were recruited into the Okhrana while new members would be trained. High funding and state of the art technology would sure it would soon be the most advance intelligence and secret police force in the world.

[Centurius]

Imperial Russian Army Unveils New Tanks, to Begin Mass Production

 

 

Petrograd - Following increased investments into the ground forces over the last few years the Imperial Russian Army has unveiled three new tanks. A medium tank, the T-34, and two heavy tanks, the AD-1 and AD-2. Tanks are to enter mass production within a few weeks to equip the entire army with these state of the art systems.

 

Sources inside the Army have stated that the tanks have exceeded all expectations in trials and surely will be some of the best ones in the world. He went on to state any enemy facing these will surely live to regret his decisions. All prototypes of the tanks are currently kept at an undisclosed location due to the fear of possible Bolsheviks getting their hands on them.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Tsarina Declares War!

 

 

Petrograd - Citing repeated provocations the Tsarina has declared war on the Archangelsk Free State, Russian soldiers and tanks have crossed the border into the Free State and have engaged the defenders.

 

The war follows years of attacks and insults from the Bolshevik state in Archangelsk, the final straw was the assassination of the former regent by a national from Archangelsk. In a public statement Marshal Zhukov has stated the war will be over within weeks as the defending forces pose no challenge to the forces of the Imperial Russian Army. While unconfirmed it is expected the Tsarina will seek to restore Archangelsk to direct control by Petrograd.

 

OOC:

 

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[Centurius]

Constitution Signed

 

 

Petrograd - Following weeks of discussions the Constitutional Assembly has created a draft constitution fulfilling the mandate given to it by the Tsarina.
 
The new constitution provides for clear democratic control of the state as well as a special position for the nobility and clergy within the Tsardom. Furthermore the constitution establishes several basic human rights for everyone within the borders of the Tsardom. Independent observers have hailed the document as the most progressive constitution in the world and the greatest one ever written.
 
In a ceremony attended by elements of all groups within the Tsardom the Tsarina has signed the constitutions and ordered elections to be held in six months.
 
[spoiler]

Constitution of the Tsardom of Russia

 
I: Historical Foundations

Considering the historical facts and universally accepted principles of the modern world, as well as the inalienable and indivisible, non-transferable and non-exhaustible right of the Russian nation to self-determination and state sovereignty, including its fully maintained right to secession and association, as basic provisions for peace and stability of the international order, the Tsardom of Russia is established as the national state of those nations residing within it.
Respecting the will of the Russian nation and all citizens, resolutely expressed in the free elections, the Tsardom of Russia is hereby founded and shall develop as a sovereign and free state in which equality, freedoms and human rights are guaranteed and ensured, and their economic and cultural progress and social welfare promoted.

II: Organization of the State

Article 1.
The Tsardom of Russia will consist of multiple regions of varying autonomy.

Article 2.
It is the obligation of the national government to provide security for and give protection to each region within it.

Article 3. 
The Constitution of the Tsardom of Russia, a decree from the head of state, a law approved by the Imperial Assembly of the Tsardom of Russia in accordance to the constitution and a ruling by the Supreme Court shall stand above all regional, local or other considerations.

Article 4.
The right to secession is not granted to a region in any form, secession is only possible with the permission from at least two thirds of the State Duma and an unanimous vote from the State Council of the Tsardom of Russia.

III: Basic Provisions

Article 5.
(1)The Tsardom of Russia is a unitary and indivisible state.
(2)Power in the Tsardom of Russia derives from the people and belongs to the people as a community of free, equal and independent citizens.
(3)The people shall exercise this power through the election of representatives and through direct decision-making.

Article 6. 
(1)The sovereignty of the Tsardom of Russia is inalienable, indivisible and untransferable.
(2)The sovereignty of the Tsardom of Russia includes its land area, rivers, lakes, canals, internal maritime waters, territorial sea, and the air space above these.
(3)The Tsardom of Russia shall exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its maritime areas and the seabed and subsoil thereof, outside the state territory up to the borders with its neighbors and other states in accordance to individual agreements and international law.
(4)The State Duma or the people directly shall, independently and in accordance with the Constitution and law, decide:
a. on the regulation of economic, legal and political relations in the Tsardom of Russia
b. on the preservation of natural and cultural wealth and its utilization
(5)The Tsardom of Russia may conclude alliances with other states, retaining its sovereign right to decide on the powers to be delegated and the right freely to withdraw from such associations.

Article 7. 
Freedom, equal rights, national equality and equality of genders, love of peace, social justice, respect for human rights, inviolability of ownership, conservation of nature and the environment and the rule of law are the highest values of the constitutional order of the Tsardom of Russia and the ground for interpretation of the Constitution.

Article 8. 
In the Tsardom of Russia the government shall be organized on the principle of the separation of powers into the legislative, executive and judiciary but limited by the rights of individual regions and citizens as defined by the constitution.

Article 9. 
(1)In the Tsardom of Russia laws shall conform to the Constitution, and other rules and regulations shall conform to the Constitution and law.
(2)Everyone shall abide by the Constitution and law and respect the legal order of the Tsardom of Russia.

Article 10. 
In special circumstances the Supreme Court of the Tsardom of Russia can issue a temporary regulation for offenses not recognized as such by the law. These may be retroactive however must be approved by the State Duma and State Council Council within a year to maintain legality.

Article 11. 
(1)Formation of political parties is free.
(2)Parties shall publicize the accounts on sources of their assets and property.
(3)Political parties which by their programs or violent activities aim to endanger the existence of the Tsardom of Russia are unconstitutional. The decision on unconstitutionality shall be made by the Supreme Court of the Tsardom of Russia.
(4)The status and financing of political parties shall be regulated by law.

Article 12.
(1)The Imperial Russian Armed Forces will be tasked with protecting and guarding the sovereignty and sanctity of the Tsardom of Russia.
(2)The Imperial Russian Armed Forces will be tasked with protecting the rights of living beings beyond the borders of the Tsardom of Russia at the request of the Supreme Court of the Tsardom of Russia.
(3)The Imperial Russian Armed Forces may cross its borders or act over its borders upon permission from the Empress.
(4)In times of need upon order by the Empress the Imperial Russian Armed Forces may assist the civilian police and authorities provided the rights granted by this constitution are maintained.
(5)Organization of defense, command, administration and democratic control over the Imperial Russian Armed Forces shall be regulated by law.
(6)Every citizen fit to do so shall be required to serve the state. The kind of service and the requirements for eligibility shall be regulated by law.

Article 13. 
The borders of the Tsardom of Russia may only be altered by a motion approved by the Imperial Assembly.

Article 14.
(1)Russian citizenship, its acquisition and termination shall be regulated by law.
(2)No Russian citizen shall be exiled from the Tsardom of Russia, have its citizenship terminated or be extradited to a foreign government.

Article 15.
(1)The Tsardom of Russia shall protect and promote the rights and interests of its citizens living abroad, and shall maintain links with the homeland.
(2)Parts of the Russian nation in other states shall be given special concern and protection by the Tsardom of Russia.

Article 16. 
The flag of the Tsardom of Russia shall consist of 3 colors, white, blue and red. A flag with three horizontal lines in order white, blue and red.

Article 17.
The Russian language and the Cyrillic script shall be in official use within the Tsardom of Russia. Individual regions are allowed to teach non-recognized languages and scripts along with the aforementioned.

Article 18.
The capital of the Tsardom of Russia will be Petrograd.

IV: Civil Liberties and Fundamental Freedoms

Article 19.
(1)Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law. No one shall be deprived of his life intentionally.
(2)Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary:
a. in defense of any person from unlawful violence;
b. in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent escape of a person lawfully detained;
c. in action lawfully taken for the purpose of quelling a riot or insurrection;
d. in case of a lawful execution following a conviction by a competent court;
e. if the security and wellbeing of the state cannot be guaranteed by any other means.

Article 20.
No one shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 21.
(1)No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.
(2)No one shall be required to perform forced of compulsory labor.
(3)For the purpose of this article the term forced or compulsory labor shall not include:
a. any work required to be done in the ordinary course of detention imposed according to the law;
b. any service of a military character or in case of conscientious objectors service exacted instead of compulsory military service;
c. any service exacted in case of an emergency or calamity threatening life or well-being of the community;
d. any work or service which forms part of normal civic obligations.

Article 22.
(1)Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be deprived of his liberty save in the following cases and in accordance with a procedure prescribed by law:
a. the lawful detention of a person after conviction by a competent court;
b. the lawful arrest or detention of a person for non-compliance with the lawful order of a court or in order to secure the fulfillment of any obligation prescribed by law;
c. the lawful arrest or detention of a person effected for the purpose of bringing him before the competent legal authority of reasonable suspicion of having committed an offence or when it is reasonably considered necessary to prevent this committing an offence or fleeing after having done so;
d. the detention of a minor by lawful order for the purpose of educational supervision or his lawful detention for the purpose of bringing him before the competent legal authority;
e. the lawful detention of persons for the prevention of the spreading of infectious diseases, of persons of unsound mind or persons reasonably expected to be a threat to themselves or people surrounding them.
(2)Everyone who is arrested shall be informed promptly, in a language which he understands, of the reason for his arrest, the charge against him and the rights granted to him.
(3)Everyone arrested or detained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1c of this article shall be brought promptly before a judge and shall be entitled to trial with a reasonable time or release pending trial. Release may be condition by guarantees to appear for trial.
(4)Everyone who is deprived of his liberty by arrest or detention shall be entitled to take proceedings by which the lawfulness of his detention shall be decided speedily by a court and his release ordered if the detention is not lawful.
(5)Everyone who has been the victim of arrest or detention in contravention of the provisions of this article shall have an enforceable right to compensation.

Article 23.
(1)In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Judgment shall be pronounced publicly by the press and public may be excluded from all or part of the trial in the interest of morals, public order or national security in a free society where the interests of juveniles or the protection of the private life of the parties so require, or the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.
(2)Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.
(3)Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the following minimum rights:
a. to be informed promptly, in a language which he understands and in detail, of the nature and cause of the accusation against him;
b. to have adequate time and the facilities for the preparation of his defense;
c. to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing or, if he has not sufficient means to pay for legal assistance, to be given it free when the interests of justice so require;
d. to examine or have examined witnesses against him and to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses against him.
e. to have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak the language used in court.
(4)No one may be tried more than once if a final court sentence has already passed.

Article 24.
(1)No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence under regional, national or international law at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the criminal offence was committed.
(2)This article shall not prejudice the trial and punishment of any person for any act or omission which, at the time when it was committed, was criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by civilized nations.

Article 25.
(1)Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.
(2)There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as in accordance with the law and is necessary in a free society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Article 26.
(1)Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
(2)Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a free society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms others.

Article 27.
(1)Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, this right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent the State from requiring the licensing of broadcasting enterprises.
(2)The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a free society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or the rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

Article 28.
(1)Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
(2)No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of these rights other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a free society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others, this article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on the exercise of these rights by members of the armed forces, of the police or of the administration of the State.

Article 29.
Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a family.

Article 30.
(1)In times of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the State the State may take measures derogating from its obligations under this constitution to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation.
(2)No derogation from article 19 shall be made under this provision.

Article 31.
(1)Everyone whose rights and freedoms as set forth in this constitution are violated shall have an effective remedy before a national authority notwithstanding that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity.
(2)Anyone violating the provisions of this constitution concerning the civil liberties and fundamental freedoms shall be held personally responsible and may not exculpate himself from invoking a higher order.

Article 32.
(1)The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this constitution shall be secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, color, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.
(2)The protection of this provision shall count for all laws or administrative decisions.

Article 33.
Nothing in this constitution may be interpreted as implying for the State, any region, group, or person any right to engage in any activity or perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein or at their limitation to a greater extent than is provided for in the constitution.

Article 34.
The restrictions permitted under this constitution to the said rights and freedoms shall not be applied for any purpose other than those for which they have been prescribed.

Article 35.
If any regional, national or international law, administrative decision or other legal instrument provide greater protection than this constitution provides it is to be considered above the constitution.
 
V: Social Rights and Economic Freedoms
 
Article 36.
(1)The arts and science shall be free of constraint, academic freedoms shall be respected.
(2)No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of these rights other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a free society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
 
Article 37.
(1)Everyone has the right to education.
(2)This right includes the ability to have free compulsory education.
 
Article 38.
(1)Everyone has the right to engage in work and to pursue a freely chosen or accepted occupation.
(2)Every citizen of the Tsardom of Russia has the freedom to seek employment, to work, to exercise the right of establishment and to provide services in the entire Tsardom.
(3)Foreign nationals who are authorized to work in the territory of the Tsardom of Russia are entitled to working conditions equivalent to those of citizens of the Tsardom.
(4)Workers or their representatives must, at the appropriate levels, be guaranteed information and consultation in good time in the cases and under the conditions provided for by law and practices.
(5)Workers and employers, or their respective organisations, have in accordance with law and practices, the right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements at the appropriate levels and, in cases of conflicts of interest, to take collective action to defend their interests, including strike action.
(6)Everyone has the right of access to free placement services.
(7)Every worker has the right to protection against unjustified dismissal, in accordance with law and practices.
(8)Every worker has the right to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity.
(9)Every worker has the right to limitation of maximum working hours, to daily and weekly rest periods and to an annual period of paid leave.
 
Article 39.
The freedom to conduct a business in accordance with law and practices is recognized.
 
Article 40.
(1)Everyone has the right to own, use, dispose of and bequeath his or her lawfully acquired possessions. No one may be deprived of his or her posessions, except in the public interest and in the cases and under the conditions provided for by law, subject to fair compensation being paid in good time for their loss. The use of property may be regulated by law in so far as necessary for the general interest.
(2)Intelectual property shall be protected.
(3)The requirement for fair compensation shall not apply if the possessions are removed in the execution of a court order or conviction.
 
Article 41.
The right to asylum shall be guaranteed and regulated by law.
 
Article 42.
(1)Collective expulsions are prohibited.
(2)No one may be removed, expelled or extradited to a State where there is a serious risk that he or she would be subjected to a treatment below the standards of this Constitution.
 
Article 43.
(1)Children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being. They may express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which concern them in accordance with their age and maturity.
(2)In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration.
(3)Every child shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis a personal relationship and direct contact with bot his or her parents, unless that is contrary to his or her interests.
 
Article 44.
The Tsardom guarantees the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life.
 
Article 45.
The Tsardom guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community.
 
Article 46.
(1)The employment of children is prohibited. The minimum age of admission to employment may not be lower than the minimum school-leaving age, without prejudice to such rules as may be more favourable to young people and except for limited derogations.
(2)Young people admitted to work must have working conditions appropriate to their age and be protected against economic exploitation and any work likely to harm their safety, health or physical, mental, moral or social development or to interfere with their education.
 
Article 47.
The family shall enjoy legal, economic and social protection.
 
Article 48.
(1)The Tsardom guarantees the entitlement of social security benefits and social services providing protection in cases such as maternity, illness, industrial accidents, dependency or old age, and in the case of loss of employment, in accordance with the rules laid down by law and practices.
(2)Everyone lawfully residing within the Tsardom of Russia is entitled to social security benefits in accordance with law and practices.
(3)In order to combat social exclusion and poverty, the Tsardom recognizes and the respects the right to social and housing assistance as to ensure a decent existence for all those who lack sufficient resources in accordance with the rules laid down by law.
 
Article 49.
Everyone has the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by law and practices. A high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Russian policies and activities.
 
Article 50.
(1)Every citizen of legal age of the Tsardom has the right to vote and to stand as a candidate at all elections.
(2)The legal age of voting shall never be higher than the age required for mandatory service
 
Article 51.
(1)Every person has the right to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the institutions and bodies of the Tsardom of Russia.
(2)This right includes:
a. the right of every person to be heard, before any individual measure which would affect him or her adversely is taken.
b. the right of every person to have access to his or her file, while respecting the legitimate interests of confidentiality and of professional and business secrecy.
c. the obligation of the administration to give reasons for its decision.
(3)Every person has the right to have the Tsardom make good any damage caused by its institutions or by its servants in the performance of their duties, in accordance with the general principles of the law.
(4)Every person may write to the institutions of the Tsardom in the Russian language or in case of regional institutions the regionally recognized languages and must have an answer in the same language.
 
Article 52.
(1)Any citizen of the Tsardom, and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in the Tsardom of Russia, has a right of access to legislative and executive documents.
(2)Documents may be censored to protect the rights of others.
(3)This right may be restricted in the interests of national security.
 
Article 53.
Any citizen of the Tsardom and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in the Tsardom of Russia has the right to refer to the Ombudsman of the Tsardom cases of maladministration in the activities of the Tsardom institutions and bodies, with the exception of the judiciary acting in their judicial role.
 
Article 54.
Any citizen of the Tsardom and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in the Tsardom of Russia has the right to petition the Imperial Assembly.
 
Article 55.
Every citizen of the Tsardom has the right to move and reside freely within the Tsardom of Russia.
 
Article 56.
Every citizen of the Tsardom shall, in the territory of a third country, be entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of the Tsardom of Russia.

VI: Organization of Government

1. Empress

Article 57.
(1)The Empress is the head of state. The Empress shall represent the Tsardom at home and abroad and ensure the continuance and unity of the Tsardom and its regular functioning at all costs.
(2)The Empress shall serve for life or until abdication.

Article 58.
(1)In case of death or abdication by a reigning monarch the crown shall pass to the next in the line of succession.
(2)If there is no legal heir the Chairman of the Council of Ministers shall become regent and hold all powers until a permanent replacement is found.
(3)A legal heir must be an adult according to law, if there is no adult heir a minor may assume rule however a regent shall be appointed by the Council of Ministers to govern the state in the name of the heir.

Article 59.
(1)The Empress shall enjoy full legal immunity and maintain all executive powers within the Tsardom.
(2)The Empress can veto legislation.

Article 60.
The Empress is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Russian Armed Forces. He or she may proclaim war and conclude peace.

Article 61.
The Empress may dissolve the Imperial Assembly if it has not approved the state budget within a month of proposal or has acted against the constitution of the Tsardom of Russia.

Article 62.
In the performance of powers the Empress shall be assisted by advisors.

2. Council of Ministers

Article 63.
The Council of Ministers shall maintain individual departments of the Tsardom of Russia.

Article 64.
(1)The Chairman of the Council of Ministers shall be appointed by the Empress.
(2)The Chairman of the Council of Minister shall appoint Ministers for individual departments however all appointments are subject to confirmation by the Empress.

Article 65.
(1)Individual Ministers or the entire Council of Ministers may be removed upon a decision by the Empress.
(2)The Chairman of the Council of Ministers may be removed upon a motion introduced by the Empress passing the State Council unanimously.

3. Imperial Assembly of the Tsardom of Russia

Article 66. 
The Imperial Assembly of the Tsardom of Russia is a body of elected representatives from the people and operates the legislative power in the Tsardom of Russia. The Imperial Assembly shall consist of the State Council and the State Duma

Article 67.
(1)The State Duma shall have 450 seats, elected through secret ballot by the procedure outlined in article 50.
(2)The State Council shall consist of the nobility of the Tsardom of Russia and leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Article 68.
Elections for the State Duma shall happen every 4 years.

Article 69.
Members of the Imperial Assembly shall not have an imperative mandate and shall receive regular financial compensation for their service and other rights specified by law.

Article 70.
The term of office of representatives in the Imperial Assembly may be extended by the Empress only in the case of war.

Article 71.
(1)The State Duma of the Tsardom of Russia shall have all legislative powers.
(2)Unless prescribed otherwise by this constitution votes within the State Council shall be deemed only advisory, it is not capable of rejecting bills passed by the State Duma.

Article 72.
The Imperial Assembly of the Tsardom of Russia shall vote by majority unless specified otherwise in the constitution.

4. Judicial Power

Article 73.
Judicial power shall be exercised by independent and neutral courts. Courts shall administer justice on the basis of the constitution and law.

Article 74.
The Supreme Court of the Tsardom of Russia, as the highest court, shall ensure the protection and execution of the constitution. Formation of the Supreme Court shall be regulated by law.

Article 75.
Court hearings shall be open and judgments shall be passed publicly unless minors are involved or the protection of individual rights is at jeopardy or matters of national security are involved.

Article 76.
Justice shall be administered by judges in conformity with law, judges shall be appointed for life and enjoy immunity in regards to rulings.

Article 77.
Judges shall be appointed by the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the State Duma.

Article 78.
The Empress may at any time grant a pardon or immunity to an individual even if against court rulings.

Article 79.
(1)No member of a diplomatic mission may be put on trial for a crime while still part of this mission.
(2)It is the obligation of the State to attempt to prosecute a member of a diplomatic mission for crimes. This is to be done using diplomatic means with permission from the state of the mission.
(3)If a member of a diplomatic mission cannot be prosecuted the State is obligated to declare said member persona non grata and require his departure from the state in a timely fashion.

VI. International Relations

Article 80.
International agreements on behalf of the Tsardom of Russia shall be negotiated by the Empress or a delegate.

Article 81.
The Imperial Assembly may provide non-binding advice on international agreements.

Article 82.
International agreements concluded and ratified in the Tsardom of Russia shall stand above law but below the constitution.

VII. Amendments

Article 83.
Amendments to the constitution may be proposed by at least one fifth of the State Duma or the Empress.

Article 84.
The State Duma upon hearing advice from the State Council and Council of Ministers shall decide by a majority vote of all representatives whether or not to start proceedings for the amendment of the constitution.

Article 86.
A decision to amend the constitution shall be require a 2/3 majority of both the State Duma as the State Council.
[/spoiler]

[Centurius]

"...thus it is in the interest of the security and continued existence of this state that the Tsardom restore the Empire to its former holdings. It is not only an element of key importance but the very existence of our state may depend on it"

 

Natalia looked at the map while her generals spoke. The attack against Archangelsk was not the only military move her general staff had been considering, unrest in the former Russian territories continued as repeatedly splitting factions continued to fight each other, in many ways the risk of these faction wars spilling into the Tsardom was far greater than any other foreign state. Something had to be done and reunification was the end goal anyway. Natalia had just hoped it would be possible without using the Imperial Russian Armed Forces.

 

"Your Imperial Highness, do we have your permission to proceed?" Marshal Zhukov asked.

 

"Please summarize the plan for me Marshal" Natalia responded, she had heard most of it but caught in her thoughts she had missed some parts.

 

"Of course, the Imperial Russian Armed Forces is to begin moving into the border provinces of the region generally deemed Russian. Kazakh border regions are to be left alone for the moment as those are stable enough. In a coordinated assault the Imperial Russian Army and Air Force will begin moving into Orenburg, Murmansk, Baskhorostan, Chelyabinsk, Sverdlovsk, Perm, Udmurtia, Komi, Nenetsia and Kurgan. Rules of engagement are to avoid civilian casualties but destroy any violent resistance to our forces." The Marshal said as the rest of the General Staff remained silent.

 

As she looked across the room she noticed all of the other ones seemed convinced of the plan.

 

"You have my permission, bring my people home Marshal" Natalia said as she rose from her chair, something every general soon followed out of respect for their Tsarina. As soon as she had left the room the generals would sit down again and work out the specifics.

 

---

 

"Is good day Comrade Colonel, we will be shooting us some red !@#$%^&*" Colonel Vasilyev was a man of little words, having served the Whites in the civil war many considered him a hero but he had never liked to act the role much.

 

"That it is Anatoly, are our men ready to proceed?" While the general staff did command the operation from Petrograd Vasilyev had been given command in the field over the forces. Many of his friends and family had said it was most likely a field test by the staff to see if he was ready to join them but he had his doubts. It was more likely they weren't looking forward to fighting in the winter much.

 

"Yes, our scouts have reported enemy fighting each other, will be very easy."

 

"Relay the order, we move"

 

With that tens of thousands of Russian soldiers and hundreds of aircraft would cross into the territory that only decades before was part of their homeland. Many actually from some of the provinces.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Béla Kun Arrested in Yekaterinburg!

 

 

Vyatka - Béla Kun, wanted on 50,000 counts of murder, has been arrested by Russian soldiers who entered Yekaterinburg. Kun was brought to Vyaka for formal processing by the Special Corps of Gendarmes.

 

The Bolshevik Hungarian is suspected of having killed 50,000 White prisoners of war and civilians under Lenin's order in Crimea. Mere days after the massacre an arrest warrant was issued but until today Kun had evaded capture. As the location of the crime is not under direct Russian control the court in Petrograd has assumed jurisdiction. Kun is to be transported to Petrograd to face trial there and if convicted is most likely to be executed.

 

In a short statement the Tsarina has stated there is no mercy for those who would commit cowardly crimes and that she hopes if guilty Kun will burn for all eternity.

Edited September 15, 2014 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Contrary to expectations the resistance encountered by the Imperial liberation force quite strong. Despite being divided into hundreds of factions the various movements seemed to have some kind of unifying and overarching combat element that made them as dangerous as any army in the world. In many ways it forces Vasilyev to improvise, not a pleasant experience for any officer. Especially not while on the front.

 

As he looked over a map in his tent he was happy Russian uniforms provided proper protection against the cold as the winter was worse than any he had experienced before in his life. As it was he and his army had taken Yekaterinburg and most of the smaller border regions however in the remaining territories advances went slowly. Surprisingly the north especially was hard to take as Bolsheviks fought with a stronger resolve than in even the most difficult fights in the Civil War. At least the arrest of Kun was one victory, it had taken a lot of discipline and restraint from his soldiers to not execute him on the spot. Sadly they had to abide by a constitution now, it would make one long for the Civil War where punishments were issued with a lot less paperwork.

 

Moving some of the pieces on the map he hadn't even heard Anatoly and other senior officers come in.

 

"Colonel, our scouts have discovered the reason behind the Bolshevik defence of Nenetsia." Anatoly said as he put a map of a small town over the larger one on the table. The map had several buildings marked. "Naryan-Mar, it is capital of the traitors. Okhrana confirms it their command." He continued, it seemed to good to be true. could they have actually discovered the root of all of Russia's problems? A deadly blow against the command structure of the Bolsheviks would clear the way for an Imperial advance up to at least the Far East and most certainly the territories they were actually invading.

 

"What kind of systems are there?" Vasilyev asked as he looked at the map, in his head already planning possible approaches.

 

"Artillery and anti-air systems, civil war era according to the scouts" Molotov said, Captain Molotov was the liaison of the Okhrana assigned to his command unit, Vasilyev considered him to be a sketchy figure but somehow trustworthy enough. The anti-air systems could pose a threat but the Russian bombers was made to defeat the systems used at the time.

 

"Anatoly contact Petrograd, we need a bombing run over the city to clear the way for our air support and soldiers to take it."

[Centurius]

Russian Soldiers Enter Crimea

 

 

Petrograd - With ongoing expeditions in Archangelsk, the border regions and a likely entry into the Franco-German war the general staff has announced another liberation operation in Crimea. At midnight exactly an undisclosed number of Airborne Troops entered Crimea and began establishing Russian rule over the area. Early reports indicate minimal to no resistance.

 

Crimea during the civil war was a stronghold of the white movement but throughout the years Ukrainian rebels managed to take it away from the white movement while the latter was focused on fighting the Bolsheviks. Ever since Ukrainian dictators have struggled to maintain control over Crimea. In a public statement the Minister of War said "Under the Russian constitution the Imperial Russian Armed Forces are obligated to defend the interests of our citizens living abroad. The Crimean people are long lost brothers and they seek to be returned to Russia, we will protect their interests and guarantee their transition into the Tsardom"

 

Independent observers have also stated that holding Crimea will be a major element in establishing some form of Russian naval power besides the Baltic.

[Centurius]

Protectorate Declared Over Eastern Europe

 

Petrograd - Following recent events in Europe and to guarantee the independence of the Slavic people the entirety of the remaining unorganized lands in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States have been declared a protectorate of the Tsardom of Russia.

 

In her declaration establishing the territory as such the Tsarina states that never again the peoples of Eastern Europe and the Baltic States will be allowed to be ruled by foreigners and that all former peoples under the Empire that have not yet organized themselves will enjoy the protection of the Russian bear. In line with recently developed protectorate doctrine forces deployed in support of this initiative will maintain a hands off approach when it comes to the local populace and merely provide protection against foreign threats.  

[Uberstein]

Private Telegram to the Russian Foreign Ministry:

 

Concerning the territory of Transcarpathia; it is obvious that the region of Galicia is contested territory. It would greatly strengthen Austrian-Russian relations if the Austro-Hungarian ownership of Transcarpathia was recognized publicly by your government. In return, we would privately agree to not intervene in the likely upcoming conflict in the Ukraine. Signed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arndt Althaus.

[Centurius]

Béla Kun Convicted, Execution Ordered

 

Petrograd - Following several months of trials the Supreme Court of the Tsardom of Russia has convicted the Bolshevik Béla Kun on 50,000 counts of murder and has ordered his execution by a firing squad.

 

The case marks the first one where the death penalty was issued since the end of the Civil War and in the ruling the judges made clear that only the most heinous of crimes deserved such a punishment. In line with the law the execution warrant has been delivered to the Winter Palace for signing by the Tsarina. Once she has signed the warrant it is expected the sentence will be carried out within a month.

[Centurius]

Elections Concluded, Victory for Kadets

 

Petrograd - After a long campaign season following the introduction of the constitution the Russian people have voted for the first Duma in the wake of the civil war. As expected by many the Kadets are major victors however other centrist parties have also done well. Voter turnout is at approximately 62% which was expected due to the stated refusal of Communists to vote after the Bolshevik Party was banned by the Supreme Court and removed from the ballot. The exact division of the Duma is

 

Constitutional Democratic Party(Kadets) - 170 Seats

Monarchist Party(Tsarists) - 100 Seats

Union of October 17(Octobrists) - 90 Seats

Union of the Russian People(Black Hundreds) - 50 Seats

Social Democratic Workers' Party - 40 Seats

 

It is expected that the Kadets, Tsarists and Octobrists will form a centre coalition such as the Provisional Government which has governed the Tsardom since the end of the civil war. Vladimir Markovic, leader of the Kadets, has been invited to the Winter Palace. It is expected the Tsarina seeks to appoint him as Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

[Centurius]

Tsarina Calls for International Cooperation Against Communism

Soldiers of the Imperial Russian Army patrolling along the Eastern border with the Soviet Union

 

Petrograd - Prior to a meeting with Vladimir Markovic the Tsarina addressed the press and called for greater cooperation against communism. With the Bolsheviks having been able to reorganize themselves in the East the red terror is once again at the door of the Tsardom and by extension all of Europe.

 

In her speech she stated that "Of all the threats that face Europe, communism is by far the largest. It is responsible for the deaths of numerous people and if allowed to succeed will only cause further death and destruction". She went on to state that together the international community could hold the advance and even push it back given unity is achieved. As possible partners she mentioned Germany, Spain, Poland and even some of the American states across the Atlantic.

 

The speech indicates a significant change from the previously established foreign policy objectives of live and let live and experts predict the change is directly related to unconfirmed response of Soviet attempts to strike at the borders of the Tsardom.

Edited January 24, 2015 by Centurius

[Peter Ilyich]

Massachusetts invites Russia to Boston to discuss this issue, as we have never supported communism. Please be on your way immediately.