Russian Lawmaker Proposes Tough Penalties for Child-Endangering Stunts Involving Cheesecakes on Cars
A State Duma deputy has put forward an initiative calling for severe penalties for actions that endanger children, including the controversial practice of using cheesecakes tied to vehicles while children ride on them. The proposal was outlined in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, highlighting the urgent need to clarify criminal liability for these dangerous activities. The information was reported by RT and cited by the deputy as a real and growing concern.
The deputy pointed to specific incidents as troubling illustrations of the risks involved. One cited example described children driving along public roads while sitting on cheesecakes that were attached to an SUV in Mytishchi, a town near Moscow. This event was presented as evidence of how easily such actions could lead to serious injuries or worse, given the high speeds and unpredictable maneuvers associated with motor vehicles.
According to the deputy, existing Russian law does not clearly prescribe how to punish such actions. The lack of precise legal definitions creates room for inconsistent enforcement and potentially insufficient consequences for those who put minors in harm’s way. The proposal argues that a clear, specific penalty framework is essential to deter others from engaging in similar dangerous stunts.
Specifically, the deputy suggested classifying these violations under Article 156 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The suggested reform would introduce a punishment of up to five years of imprisonment for failure to fulfill or improper fulfillment of duties that protect minors. In the letter to the prime minister, he asserted that when a stunt creates a threat to a child’s health and life, there exists a duty to safeguard the minor and to intervene appropriately to prevent harm. The deputy urged the government to consider the expediency of adding a new provision to Article 156 to address these alarming behaviors decisively.
The context for this proposal includes recent concerns about the safety of young people in risky activities. Reports have drawn attention to incidents where children are put in precarious positions without adequate protective measures or supervision. The deputy’s appeal emphasizes that society expects all adults, including guardians and organizers of public entertainment, to prioritize children’s safety and to avoid actions that could lead to severe injury or fatal outcomes. The aim is to ensure that legal responses keep pace with evolving trends in youth activities and the ways in which those activities intersect with everyday life.
In a broader sense, the discussion touches on the responsibilities of parents, educators, and community leaders to monitor and guide children’s participation in activities that might appear harmless at first glance but carry hidden dangers. The proposed amendments would create a clearer legal framework, making it easier for authorities to respond when minors are exposed to risky situations. This approach seeks to balance the protection of children with the rights of individuals to engage in expressive or unconventional activities, by establishing clear boundaries and enforceable consequences when those boundaries are crossed.
Critics of such measures might argue about the consequences for families and the potential for overreach in criminalizing risky child-related behavior. Supporters, however, maintain that clarifying liability is essential to preventing harm and sending a strong message that child safety must come first. The debate reflects a broader pattern in which lawmakers seek to adapt statutory provisions to address new forms of risk that emerge in everyday life, especially when minors are involved. The deputy’s initiative represents a concrete step toward aligning legal responsibility with observed dangers, while still allowing room for careful interpretation and due process in adjudication. (RT)
As the discussion continues, observers are watching to see whether the government will endorse the proposal and how it might be implemented across various jurisdictions. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are treated in the future, potentially influencing legislative priorities related to child protection and the enforcement of duties owed to minors by adults and organizations. The aim remains to reduce harm and to ensure that any action which places a child in danger is met with appropriate, enforceable consequences that reflect the severity of the risk involved.