Criminologist explained the introduction of life sentences for pedophiles in Russia

The introduction of a life sentence for recidivist pedophiles in Russia is associated with an increase in the number of cases of attacks on children in recent years. Such an opinion on Thursday, January 27, in an interview with Lenta.ru, was expressed by forensic specialist and former operative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Mikhail Ignatov.

“There are several reasons. First, there have been more cases of attacks on children in the country recently. Secondly, pedophiles began to kill their victims more often so that they could not identify them. A typical criminal is afraid that the child will tell his parents about the attack, they will report it to the police – and this will end in prison for him, ”Ignatov explained.

According to the criminologist, public indignation also played a role. News about violence against children constantly appears in the media: in particular, we are talking about the recent murder of a five-year-old girl by two pedophiles in Kostroma or the massacre of two schoolgirls in Kuzbass. “So we were a little late with the tightening of legislation: it should have been carried out earlier,” Ignatov said.

The Federation Council approved the law on life imprisonment for pedophiles in Russia the day before, on January 26. It will apply to recidivist pedophiles who have committed violent acts against minors, those who have committed a crime for the first time, but in relation to two or more children, and also if “the specified crime is associated with the commission of another grave or especially grave crime.”