What punishment should Vladimir Vitkov face for his violent attack on a refugee toddler at Moscow airport?
Global Outrage After Man Slams Refugee Toddler Headfirst at Moscow Airport
A horrific incident at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport has sparked international outrage after 31-year-old Belarusian man Vladimir Vitkov picked up and violently slammed an 18-month-old Iranian refugee toddler headfirst onto the floor. The child, who had just arrived with his pregnant mother fleeing conflict in Iran, suffered severe skull and spinal injuries and remains in a coma. Russian authorities have arrested Vitkov on suspicion of attempted murder, with reports indicating he was under the influence of cannabis and possibly alcohol. The attack has been widely condemned, with Iran's embassy calling it 'completely inhuman' and Russian officials considering the harshest penalties under the law. Some are also questioning whether racial bias played a role in the assault. The case has reignited calls for stricter airport security and harsher punishments for violent crimes against children.
Options
- Life imprisonment without parole
- Maximum sentence for attempted murder
- Trial with psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Not sure