Russie
A rising number of teenagers in Russia are being sentenced under terrorism-related laws, with severe consequences. Recently, a 14-year-old was sentenced to seven years in prison for allegedly attempting to set fire to a military conscription office in the Tver region, reportedly guided by instructions from a banned Ukrainian organization via Telegram. His trial was closed to the public, and full details remain scarce.
Similarly, 17-year-old Eva Bagrova received a four-year sentence in a penal colony for allegedly supporting terrorism by posting images and messages praising the Russian Volunteer Corps and distributing leaflets. Her trial also lacked transparency, with claims that her confession was coerced under threats from investigators.
These convictions follow legislative changes lowering the criminal responsibility age for terrorism from 16 to 14. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prosecutions of minors for terrorism have surged—from 26 cases in 2022 to 57 in early 2025 alone. These cases often involve arson attacks on military offices, allegedly motivated by promises of payment. Officials argue that teenagers from varied socio-economic backgrounds are being radicalized through online propaganda. The overall trend reflects a hardline approach by Russian authorities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The increase in terrorism-related convictions of minors raises significant legal and ethical questions. The lowering of the age of criminal responsibility and the severity of sentences imposed on teenagers highlight a stringent approach to national security. However, concerns about due process, the potential for coerced confessions, and the lack of transparency in trials underscore the need for a balanced approach that safeguards both security and human rights.
For Russian citizens, especially the youth, these developments may lead to heightened fear and self-censorship. The perception of a broad application of terrorism laws could deter legitimate expressions of dissent and discourage engagement in political discourse, potentially stifling democratic participation and the development of civil society.
