Russia rewards convicted paedophile with military honour

Convicted of sexual assault in 2022, Ilja Bielostocki was recruited into the Russian army from prison. Thanks to his conduct on the front, the recidivist was honoured by the authorities, and his criminal past was erased.

Many of the reports from Russian media and government representatives are likely not true. Such reports may be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.

The Russian authorities awarded a state prize to a convicted paedophile who was recruited into the military directly from prison. Novaya Gazeta reports that no official body has confirmed the man's release.

Former director of television programmes for children, Ilja Bielostocki was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy. In July 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but the sentence was later reduced to 6.5 years.

Last autumn, the convict announced that he was joining the army. He said he wanted to give his mother and family a chance to be proud of him again.

Now, the man has announced on his social media profile that he is free and during his service in the Russian army in Ukraine, he received a medal "for saving lives". He served as a medic in an assault platoon.

According to Russian law, I am exempt from punishment, and my criminal past has been erased. Friends, rejoice, and opponents, gnash your teeth - said Bielostocki in a conversation with msk1.ru.

Bielsotocki was unsure of the exact reason for his nomination but suggested it may be related to saving a commander in battle.

If I ever get leave, I will go to our unit's headquarters in Russia – that's where the decree about the reward is – and then I'll find out – he summarized.

The lawyer representing the victim in Bielostocki's case told msk1.ru that her clients do not intend to appeal his release.