A Russian father, Vyacheslav Matrosov, 35, took matters into his own hands after discovering video evidence of a family friend and babysitter, Oleg Sviridov, 32, s*xually assaulting his six-year-old daughter.
The video captured the child’s distress, pleading with Sviridov to stop and let her go home.
Matrosov forced Sviridov to dig his own grave in a forest and then compelled him to commit suicide. While initially charged with murder, Matrosov was ultimately acquitted on that charge as investigators determined Sviridov’s death was self-inflicted.
He was, however, convicted of “inciting” Sviridov to suicide and sentenced to 18 months in a strict regime penal colony, serving 12 months before release.
The case has garnered significant public attention in Russia, with many expressing supports for Matrosov’s actions. A petition with 2,500 signatures called for his release, and locals have hailed him as a hero for protecting children.
Even prominent figures like TV personality Ksenia Sobchak have commented on the case, acknowledging the widespread support for Matrosov among parents.
The community in the Samara region, where the incident occurred, has been raising funds to cover his legal expenses. Had Matrosov been convicted of murder, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison.
