Encouraging children to carry out terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage now carries a life sentence — the State Duma has toughened the Criminal Code.

      As reported by the State Duma, inducing minors to terrorist or sabotage activities is now punishable by life imprisonment.

      Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin noted that the measures adopted are aimed at protecting Russia’s interests and the security of its citizens:

      “These measures are aimed at protecting the country’s interests, enhancing its security, and safeguarding citizens, especially children, from reckless actions.”

      According to amendments to the Criminal Code:

      - statutes of limitations are being abolished for all sabotage-related crimes;

      - the right to conditional early release (parole) for those convicted of such acts is being restricted;

      - a ban is being introduced on suspended sentences for participation in sabotage groups;

      - organizers of diversionary-terrorist groups will now be held responsible not only for creating and leading them, but also for all crimes committed by them;

      - criminal liability for intentional diversionary-terrorist crimes begins at age 14.

      At the meeting Volodin emphasized that the decision was made “exclusively in the interests of the citizens and the security of the country”:

      “We are doing everything to protect the younger generation from the influence of foreign special services and intelligence agencies that involve teenagers in sabotage.”

      The law was adopted unanimously by all factions, regardless of political views and party affiliation.