Russian authorities are considering tightening criminal liability for rape, according to a statement made on June 11 by Andrei Klishas, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building.

The announcement follows a proposal from the Prosecutor General’s Office to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 for specific crimes, as mentioned by Deputy Minister of Justice Elena Ardaeva. Klishas stated that he believes criminal liability for rape needs to be increased.

Currently, under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, rape is punishable by imprisonment for a term ranging from three to twenty years. Individuals who have reached the age of 14 can be held liable for this crime.

Notably, 14-year-olds in Russia are already subject to criminal liability for several serious offenses, including intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, violent sexual acts, and extortion.