Lantratova urged not to judge a child for drawing "Smesharikov" on the playground

The Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Yana Lantratova, called for the child who painted the characters of "Smesharikov" on the rubber surface of a playground in Bolokhovo, Tula region, not to be held accountable. She expressed her opinion on August 20 in the Telegram channel.

According to the Ombudsman, children's drawings should not be considered as vandalism. She believes that what happened should be perceived primarily as children's creativity, and not as a reason for punishment.

"For a child, this is not "damage to property," but creativity, even if it was done in the wrong place," Lantratova said.

She noted that the task of adults in such a situation is to explain the rules of behavior to the child and help correct the consequences, rather than intimidate him with responsibility.

Lantratova also said that the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Tula Region, Alexander Golovin, had taken control of the situation and was preparing the necessary inquiries.

"I really want the family and the child to be treated with understanding, without excessive severity, and to choose the path of clarification rather than punishment!" she stressed.

By and large: teenagers want to be tried for crimes as adults

In case of repeated crimes, they are offered to be carried out through criminal law emancipation.

In the city of Bolokhovo, Kireevsky district, Tula region, a day earlier, the administration threatened a child with criminal liability after he drew cartoon characters "Smeshariki" on the rubberized playground surface. The administration stated that the application of drawings on the rubber coating is regarded as damage to municipal property. The officials referred to Articles 214 ("Vandalism") and 167 ("Intentional destruction or damage to property") of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.