In Russia, the lower house of parliament — the State Duma — has passed a bill that lowers the age of criminal liability for a number of articles in the Criminal Code, including sabotage, from 16 to 14 years, reports LETA citing Mediazona.
The publication notes that henceforth, 14-year-olds can be held criminally liable for all articles related to sabotage — for committing sabotage, assisting in its commission, teaching how to commit sabotage, organizing and participating in sabotage groups.
As for articles related to terrorism, Russian lawmakers have decided to lower the age of liability for assisting terrorists, including financing terrorism, as well as for participating in terrorist groups.
Mediazona emphasizes that the amendments introduced by the State Duma abolish statutes of limitations and prohibit courts from imposing sentences lower than the minimum provided for all articles related to sabotage. The amendments will also complicate the early release of convicts and prohibit the imposition of suspended sentences on individuals convicted of participating in sabotage groups.
In addition, the amendments provide for punishment of up to life imprisonment for charges of involving minors in committing sabotage and for attracting them to terrorist activities.
Mediazona points out that articles of the Criminal Code on sabotage in Russia are often applied in investigations of criminal cases involving arson of railway infrastructure, including against minors acting under the influence of internet fraudsters.
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