Lawyers have ruled out criminal prosecution for a Kuban teenager who spat at a security officer.

Spitting at a police officer is considered an insult to a government official, but the law does not allow a 15-year-old to be held criminally responsible under this statute. Given his apology for his actions, the Krasnodar youth may escape punishment.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," on November 21, police reported the arrest of a 15-year-old Krasnodar youth who spat in the back of a police officer. The youth, who had no prior record with law enforcement, explained after his arrest that he "didn't realize the consequences" and apologized for his actions. The results of the pre-investigation investigation will be submitted to the Investigative Committee for a procedural decision, the regional Department of Internal Affairs reported.

Lawyers Zaur Shokuev and Patimat Abdullayeva, who are not involved in the case, as well as attorney Felix Vertegel, commented to the "Caucasian Knot" on the prospects of the teenager being prosecuted by law enforcement.

Zaur Shokuev ruled out criminal liability for the 15-year-old boy. "Due to his age, he cannot be held criminally liable for insulting a government official under Article 319 of the Criminal Code. That is, a criminal case cannot be opened against him," he said.

In our country, administrative liability begins at age 16.

As for administrative liability, the young man's age can again play a decisive role, he noted. "Again, children are held administratively liable starting from the age of 16. Until that age, the entire burden of responsibility lies with the parents. Regarding the video apology, I think it was quite sufficient to end the conflict. But, unfortunately, our reality shows something completely different, especially when it comes to any actions, even minor ones, against government officials. Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that this incident was widely publicized and became public knowledge. I don't know what the investigation will come to, but at least if it is conducted within the law according to Russian legislation, it is simply impossible to hold him criminally liable. Other measures, preventative measures, could be applied," the lawyer pointed out.

The only article of the Russian Criminal Code that could be applied here is Article 319 - insulting a government official, agreed Patimat Abdullayeva. "But liability under this article begins at age 16, and he's 15. This means this article can't be applied to him. There shouldn't be any criminal liability here," she said.

I think his apology will be the end of this story.

In her opinion, the young man will get off with just an apology. "I think his apology will be the end of this story. Because there's no way to punish him for this act. He's already apologized, and that's where this story ends," Abdullayeva pointed out.

A public apology is a crucial mitigating factor, especially if it was sincere and immediate, explained Felix Vertegel. "Being 15 means that a minor is under enhanced legal protection, and more lenient measures are applied to him. If the case does go to court, given the apology, the child's age, and the absence of serious consequences, the court will likely impose a suspended sentence or educational measures under Article 90 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation—a warning, placement under parental supervision, or restrictions on leisure time. It is unlikely that a preventive measure will be chosen at all – the teenager will most likely be released to his parents on receipt,” he told the Caucasian Knot.

Crimes against government officials are considered more serious.

At the same time, the status The victim's status in this situation can also play a significant role, Vertegel added. "The fact that the victim is a police officer could lead to closer scrutiny from the investigation and prosecutor's office. Crimes against government officials are viewed as more serious because they affect the authority of state bodies. This could mean the case won't be brushed aside; an investigation will definitely be conducted, and perhaps a criminal case will be opened," he said.

However, according to the lawyer, the police officer's status "will not significantly influence" the final decision if mitigating circumstances such as being a minor and an apology are present. "It will likely impact the procedure—the case will be handled more formally, with the mandatory participation of an investigator, rather than simply being handled administratively." "Overall, the teenager could face disciplinary measures, but actual punishment is unlikely," Vertegel said.

As of 3:55 PM Moscow time on November 25, Kuban police had not provided any new information on the investigation's progress on their Telegram channel. The regional Investigative Committee's website also has no information on the incident's investigation.