Problems of hooliganism, drug use and distribution among youth were discussed at the Vitebsk Oblast Media Center
Speakers and experts from the capital explained to the participants of the dialogue platform from the regions the norms of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus and the Code of Administrative Offenses, and informed the young people about the sanctions of articles for young people who have committed offenses and crimes. They also discussed with the younger generation the sensational series "The Boy's Word," which tells about the life of street youth gangs in the city of Kazan.
– The popular series about street kids perfectly illustrates that any offense is always followed by punishment. It should be understood that joining destructive communities does not lead to good, – warns Vyacheslav Shabanov, Professor, Doctor of Law, Head of the Department of Criminalistics at BSU. – Usually, in such groups, immoral adults act through the hands of teenagers, instilling false values in them. And it is almost impossible to leave such a collective without losses.
Vitebsky Vestnik Reference: In the Republic of Belarus, the maximum term of imprisonment for minors, based on the aggregate of sentences, is 17 years.
Experience shows that young hooligans only realize their situation when they are in places of deprivation of liberty. False friends disappear in such situations, and usually only relatives provide support. Two inmates from Correctional Facility No. 2 in the city of Bobruisk shared their instructive stories with the participants of the dialogue platform, which touched the hearts of those present.
– While studying in college, my social circle completely changed. Together with new friends, I started drinking alcohol frequently and got caught up in a series of fun adventures, – says nineteen-year-old Timofey, who is serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm, hooliganism, and robbery. – Once, during a walk, I got into a fight with a friend, misjudged my strength, and broke his leg.
Realizing what had happened, the young man called an ambulance and fled the scene of the crime, while the victim spent several months in the hospital. Timofey decided that he would go unpunished and continued to lead his former lifestyle and commit offenses. Only while in custody did the young man realize what he had done, but it was too late. He was sent to a correctional colony for three years.
The story of another young man who made a mistake, his peer Andrey, is very similar to the previous one. He used to think that he could do anything, and the most important thing in life was to be the center of attention. Cigarettes, alcohol, and the desire to be an adult – his leisure time was built on these three pillars, although he didn't consider himself a hooligan.
– Once I stood up for a friend, got into a fight, and inflicted grievous bodily harm on his offender. At that time, I thought I was restoring justice, but soon I rethought everything, – explains Andrey. – Now, only my parents support me, towards whom I was unfairly rude before and did not appreciate their wise advice.
Fortunately, young people currently have many opportunities for self-development, and most guys only judge destructive youth organizations by movies, one of which is "The Boy's Word. Blood on the Asphalt."
Experts from the dialogue platform advised viewers of the film to perceive it through the lens of common sense. The engaging plot is based on the book "Criminal Tatarstan 1970-2010" by journalist Robert Garaev, which consists of recollections from participants of the events. And, most importantly, not a single former "street fighter" recalls these events with a smile. In reality, there is no romance in hooliganism and fights.
– Many parents are concerned that the series "The Boy's Word" might teach young people bad habits, – says Irina Alyushina, head of the organizational and program activities department of the Vitebsk Regional Committee of BRSM. – Within the framework of the open dialogue "The Power of Law," educators actively warn young people against committing offenses. If we critically assess the plot of the series, the mistakes of the past shown on the screen can become a lesson for young viewers.
And many young people are indeed watching the series wisely. Anastasia Savina, a student of secondary school No. 34 in Vitebsk, perfectly separates the dynamic plot from real life. She is confident that it is necessary to know the law and one's rights in order to feel safe in society and respect other people.
– My friends lead a healthy lifestyle, we do sports together, discuss our favorite books, and just hang out. Besides alcohol and cigarettes, there are many interesting things around, – the interviewee is sure.
Participants of the dialogue platform urge everyone not to remain indifferent to the existing problem. Experts recommend that parents take an interest in their children's affairs and instill proper values in them, and that young people choose good friends with whom communication will leave only pleasant memories.