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В прокуратуре и СК заинтересовалась подростками, бросавшими снежки в «Вечный огонь» в Нижнем Тагиле

Russian authorities investigate teenagers throwing snowballs at Eternal Flame

Incident sparks outrage, prompts criminal investigation

Prosecutors and investigators in Russia's Sverdlovsk region have launched a criminal investigation into a group of teenagers who were caught on video throwing snowballs at the Eternal Flame memorial in the city of Nizhny Tagil.

The incident, which took place on February 23, 2023, sparked outrage among local residents and veterans' groups. The Eternal Flame is a sacred symbol in Russia, commemorating the sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers during World War II.

According to local media reports, the teenagers were identified and questioned by police. They have been charged with hooliganism, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing, and the teenagers could face additional charges if it is determined that their actions were motivated by political or ideological reasons.

The incident has been widely condemned by Russian officials and citizens. President Vladimir Putin has called for the teenagers to be punished to the full extent of the law.

The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has also ordered an investigation into the incident. Spokesman Andrei Ivanov said that the teenagers' actions “violated the memory of the heroes who died in the Great Patriotic War.”

The incident has also prompted calls for increased security at the Eternal Flame memorial. Local authorities have announced plans to install surveillance cameras and hire additional security guards to prevent similar incidents in the future.