Russia has enacted new legal measures that reduce the age at which minors can be charged with sabotage or terrorism-related offenses from 16 to 14. The legislation, passed by the Russian Parliament, aims to strengthen the country’s counterterrorism capabilities and ensure that even younger individuals are held accountable for actions deemed threats to national security. The change reflects an increasingly stringent approach to combating perceived domestic and foreign threats.
The move has sparked debate among legal experts and human rights organizations, with some questioning the implications for children’s rights and the potential for misuse of the law. While the government argues that the new rules are necessary to protect national security, critics warn that it could lead to the prosecution of minors for activities that may not be fully understood or intentional. The amendment is part of a broader set of security measures introduced in recent years, including increased surveillance and stricter controls on online communications.