Hooliganism. Criminal and administrative liability of minors

According to part 1 of Article 339 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, hooliganism is defined as intentional actions that grossly violate public order and express clear disrespect for society, accompanied by the use of violence or the threat of its use, or the destruction or damage of someone else's property, or distinguished by exceptional cynicism in their content.

According to Article 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus, petty hooliganism is defined as offensive harassment of citizens and other intentional actions that violate public order, the activities of organizations, or the tranquility of citizens, and express clear disrespect for society.

In accordance with criminal and administrative legislation, responsibility for hooliganism arises at the age of 14. Thus, every teenager must be prepared to answer for their actions. If a minor is under 14 years old, their parents will have to answer for them.

The maximum punishment for the crime provided for in Article 339 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus is imprisonment for up to 10 years. For petty hooliganism, one will face an administrative penalty in the form of a fine ranging from 2 to 30 basic units or administrative arrest.

One of the main reasons for minors committing hooliganism is insufficient control over their behavior by parents. Adults often do not know where and how their children spend their free time, or the circle of their child's friends. Many are not concerned that their children are on the street late at night, and some are not even alarmed by the fact that they come home smelling of alcohol. Therefore, parental control, schools, and other entities are the best means of prevention.

It is of great importance who serves as a positive role model for the minor. It is important for parents to realize this and prioritize their child's intellectual and moral development in their upbringing.

Deputy Prosecutor of Braslav District                S.P. Harbus