Punishment for crimes against the sexual integrity of children

The maximum term of punishment established by the current legislation will be assigned to those who committed a crime against sexual integrity using the trust of a child. The deputies of the Supreme Council prescribed such tougher measures of responsibility in the Criminal Code. The change in legislation concerns those who live with a minor or work with children in educational, cultural, sports and other institutions.

In addition, the Criminal Code introduces liability for concealing such crimes. The fine is up to 700 minimum wages (12880 rubles) or compulsory work up to 180 hours or imprisonment for up to 1 year.

Responsibility for compelling a minor to act of a sexual nature is being strengthened. If the crime is committed by a group of persons by prior agreement or by those who have a previous conviction for a previously committed crime against the sexual integrity of a child, as well as if the media and the Internet were used, the term of imprisonment is from 3 to 6 years.

A psychologist must be present at the court session during the interrogation of a minor or a victim. This norm was prescribed in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The deputies of the Supreme Council adopted the legislations of their colleagues in the second final reading. As the authors of the legislations, a group of deputies of the Committee on Legislation, Protection of the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens, noted, the changes made are aimed at the early detection of crimes, the protection and safety of children and the inevitability of punishing the perpetrators. The changes will come into force 14 days after signing by the President.