MOSCOW, December 14 (RAPSI) – President Vladimir Putin has awarded the Distinguished Service Order to Chairman of Russia’s Supreme Court Vyacheslav Lebedev.

The medal is given for contribution to the development of the Russian statehood, improvement of the judicial system and longstanding dedicated work, the presidential decree reads.

Last year, Lebedev became the Full Cavaliers of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland.

Lebedev is a doctor of jurisprudence, professor and the Honored Lawyer of Russia. He has chaired the Supreme Court of Russia since July 1989.