Russia allows imprisonment for sabotage from the age of 14

In Russia, teenagers as young as 14 can now be held criminally responsible for offenses including sabotage, aiding sabotage activities, receiving training for sabotage, organizing a sabotage group, and participating in one.

The age of criminal responsibility has also been lowered in cases related to supporting terrorism (including financing terrorism) and organizing terrorist groups and organizations.

The amendments eliminate statutes of limitations and prohibit sentencing below the established minimum for offenses related to sabotage. They also make it harder to obtain parole and remove the possibility of suspended sentences for members of so-called "sabotage communities."

Additionally, the bill provides for penalties up to life imprisonment for 'recruiting minors for sabotage" and involving them in terrorist activities.

The draft law expanding age-based responsibility for sabotage and terrorism offenses was submitted to the State Duma in October. These provisions are often applied in cases involving arson at railway facilities, including those involving teenagers.

Sabotage in Russia

Earlier, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR) reported an increase in fires and acts of sabotage at railway facilities across Russia. A partisan movement operates throughout the country, targeting critical infrastructure.

The intelligence service noted that in recent months, fires and explosions were recorded in Bryansk, Rostov, and Murmansk regions, as well as in Chechnya and Karachay-Cherkessia. Similar actions are also taking place in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and the Luhansk region.

According to HUR, coordinated partisan operations are significantly complicating the logistics of the Russian army.