Parliamentary immunity essentially means that a member of Parliament may not be brought before a parliamentary court or other authority to be called to account for actions done or statements made related to his or her duties, and neither may criminal proceedings be initiated against him or her. Immunity is an important guarantee of parliamentary independence, at the same time citizens tend to see it as a way for politicians to place themselves above the law. A member’s parliamentary immunity may be suspended if Parliament votes in favour of such a motion.