The bill seeks to strengthen the penalties for abducting minors in the context of military operations, mobilization, or armed conflict. It received support from the Russian Supreme Court and was introduced by a group of senators. One of the bill’s authors, Irina Rukavishnikova, who serves as the first deputy chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State-building in the Federation Council, expressed optimism about the measure, highlighting its potential to deter child abduction during times of crisis. This stance was reported by TASS, which outlines the legislative motivation and the expected impact on safeguarding children amid conflict-related upheaval.
Under the proposed amendments, the draft law would add clarifications to Article 126 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The changes are designed to heighten accountability for the abduction of minors when conditions of mobilization, martial law, wartime, armed conflict, or hostilities are in effect. The draft explicitly increases the consequences for such crimes, proposing prison sentences ranging from eight to twenty years. Additionally, it contemplates potential restrictions on freedom for up to four years as part of the remedy for those convicted of abducting minors under these special circumstances. This framework aims to send a clear message about the seriousness with which the state treats violations that involve the most vulnerable members of society during periods of national stress.
Rukavishnikova emphasized that the legislation is designed to strengthen the legal protection of minors against abduction in the context of armed conflicts. She noted concerns about the possible forcible removal of children to neighboring territories under the pretext of evacuation from danger zones. The measure is presented as part of broader parliamentary efforts to scrutinize and deter criminal acts linked to actions by foreign authorities during times of hostilities. The framing of the bill reflects the ongoing parliamentary discourse about safeguarding the rights and safety of children in volatile environments and reinforces the intent to prevent any exploitation of conflict situations to abduct or relocate minors illegally. The authors suggest that robust penalties are a deterrent and that clear statutory provisions will assist law enforcement in addressing such offenses more effectively.
Vyacheslav Timchenko, who chairs the Committee on Rules and Regulation of Parliamentary Activities, commented on the progress of the bill. He noted that the Supreme Court had completed the drafting of the provisions and proposed extending criminal liability to cases where individuals are aware that the child involved is underage. Timchenko added that the committee intends to present the proposal at its next session, signaling a readiness to advance the discussion and push the legislative process forward. His remarks underscore a shared commitment within the Federation Council to close gaps in existing law that could hinder the prosecution of abduction offenses tied to wartime conditions. The conversation around the bill is situated within a broader environment of vigilance over criminal acts during conflict and mobilization, and it reflects ongoing efforts to align criminal codes with the realities of modern security challenges.
In a related note, it has been reported that the Supreme Court recently approved another measure, a ban on Tetris for prisoners. This development, while separate from the abduction statute, indicates ongoing judicial decisions that shape the framework of punishment and restriction within the country. The juxtaposition of these legal actions highlights a broader pattern: the judiciary and legislative bodies are actively refining policies to address security, public order, and the protection of vulnerable groups in times of internal or external pressure. The combined efforts illustrate a multifaceted approach to lawmaking during periods of national strain, where the goal is to balance deterrence with fair application of justice while ensuring the safety and rights of citizens, especially minors, remain a central priority. (Source: TASS)