Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, has proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12, citing increased maturity and instances of crime committed by young teenagers. This proposal, along with similar ones from other officials suggesting ages 12 or 13 for various serious offenses, has reportedly been rejected. Bastrykin also noted an increase in school attacks in Russia.

• Russia’s top investigator, Alexander Bastrykin, proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
• Bastrykin argued that today’s teenagers mature faster and commit crimes at 12 or 13, escaping liability.
• He mentioned six school attacks in Russia in 2025 and eight in early 2026.
• Other officials have also called to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 or 13 for various offenses.
• Bastrykin previously proposed lowering the age for drug trafficking offenses from 16 to 14.