On March 23, the day after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in the Russian suburb, the chairman of the ruling party «United Russia» in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vasiliev, announced the possibility of reinstating the death penalty in the country. This was reported by the state-owned propaganda agency TASS.
The statement by Vasiliev comes as a shock to many, as the death penalty was officially abolished in Russia in 1996. However, this is not the first time the topic has been raised in recent years. In fact, there have been several high-profile cases that have reignited the debate on the death penalty in Russia.
One of the most notable cases was the horrific murder of 8-year-old girl, Nastya Maksimova, in 2017. The perpetrator, Sergey Tsapok, was sentenced to life in prison, but many argued that this punishment was not enough for the heinous crime he committed. Tsapok’s trial sparked a nationwide discussion on the effectiveness of life imprisonment and whether the death penalty should be brought back as a means of justice.
Vasiliev’s statement has also been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some support the idea of reinstating the death penalty, others see it as a step backwards for human rights in the country. Amnesty International has already voiced its concerns, stating that the death penalty is a violation of the right to life and is often used as a tool of repression in authoritarian regimes.
However, Vasiliev argues that the death penalty could act as a deterrent for serious crimes. He also believes that the current justice system in Russia is not strong enough to effectively handle such cases and that the death penalty could help alleviate the burden on the system.
The possibility of bringing back the death penalty has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers as well. While some support Vasiliev’s proposal, others are concerned about the potential consequences and the possibility of wrongful convictions.
It is important to note that even if the death penalty is reinstated, it would only be applied in very specific and extreme cases, such as terrorism and murder of minors. The decision to impose the death penalty would also require a unanimous vote from the jury.
Despite the controversy surrounding the issue, Vasiliev’s statement has brought attention to the flaws in the Russian justice system and the need for reform. Many argue that instead of focusing on the death penalty, efforts should be made to improve the efficiency and fairness of the current system.
It is also worth noting that the reinstatement of the death penalty would require Russia to amend its obligations to international treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights. This could have significant implications for the country’s relationships with other nations.
In conclusion, the possibility of reinstating the death penalty in Russia has once again sparked a national debate. While some see it as a way to ensure justice for victims and their families, others view it as a violation of human rights. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the issue requires careful consideration and must be approached with caution. Only time will tell if the death penalty will make a comeback in Russia or if the country will continue to uphold its commitment to the right to life.
