In Novosibirsk, the Dzerzhinsky District Court has initiated a criminal case against a supermarket employee following an incident in which a child was locked inside a refrigerator. Reports from the court’s press service confirm the development of this case as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The incident began when a nine-year-old boy discovered an expired item on a store counter and asked the employee to remove it or replace it. In response, the employee allegedly locked the child inside a refrigerated storage area within the store, triggering a police inquiry and formal criminal investigation. The court’s decision to review the case reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating alleged violations of the law involving minors and a potential restriction of a young person’s freedom in a retail environment.
The hearing to examine the facts and determine appropriate legal action took place on Monday, December 4, with investigators presenting the materials and witnesses providing statements as part of the proceedings. The court asked questions, reviewed the evidence, and evaluated the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether the alleged actions warranted criminal charges under applicable statutes.
According to the press service, Evgeny Kireev stands accused under paragraph d, part 2 of Article 127 of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns unlawful restriction of freedom of a minor. The court has scheduled the next session for December 7, 2023, to continue the examination of the case and to consider additional evidence and arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about safety and child protection in public settings, including retail environments. It highlights the legal responsibilities of workers who interact with minors and the expectations for safeguarding measures to prevent harm. Local authorities emphasize a careful and thorough review of all related facts to ensure a fair process and an appropriate outcome in line with the law.
In related contexts, authorities have noted other instances where minors face serious risks or where protective measures are urgently needed in public spaces. Such cases continually prompt reviews of procedures, staff training, and supervision protocols designed to reduce the likelihood of harm and to support the welfare of children and young people in community settings. Court proceedings in these situations aim to establish accountability while protecting the rights of minors and ensuring due process for all parties involved.
As the legal process proceeds, observers in Canada, the United States, and beyond monitor these developments to understand how similar cases are handled in different jurisdictions. The emphasis remains on rapid response, transparent investigations, and the use of appropriate legal tools to safeguard children while upholding the rule of law. The ongoing proceedings in Novosibirsk illustrate how courts balance public safety, corporate responsibilities, and individual rights when allegations concern the welfare of minors in commercial spaces.