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As part of probe into death of girl, probe launched into negligence of functionaries guilty of the tragedy

During the investigation of the death of a 14-year-old girl in Smolensk Region, officers of Smolensk Regional Investigations Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia studied all circumstances and prior events. Upon the analysis, investigators regarded actions of functionaries of the relevant authorities responsible for local control and support of disadvantaged families as negligence. An investigation was opened into the fact under Article 293 of the Criminal Code of Russia.

An inspection of the girl’s living conditions showed that the eight-grade student had been living with her mother and older sister. Both girls had been in care of their mother who worked in a hospital. The family was in a challenging financial situation and tried to seek support from local authorities.

Moreover, having analysed the obtained materials, the investigators are checking a version that classmates of the girl put moral pressure on her because of her medical condition. The investigators will pay special attention to the lack of an adequate response from the teaching staff of the institution responsible for solving such problems.

During the preliminary investigations, the officers are to investigate in detail the reasons and conditions of the girl’s death and identify all persons whose actions (inaction) led to the tragedy.

As a matter of course, the investigators are to inspect the legitimacy of the discharge of their duties by social service representatives; Smolensk regional juvenile, guardianship, healthcare, and educational authorities; and the municipal authorities of Safonovo.

The Central Office of the Investigative Committee of Russia supervises the progress and results of the investigation.

It is already clear for the investigators that the authorities that were required to become involved into problems of children failed to do their utmost to prevent the tragedy.