Deputy Demands Smolny Report on Pasha's Death

In her appeal addressed to the head of the guardianship and trusteeship department of the committee, Olga Smirnova, the deputy asks to clarify whether the boy was registered with the guardianship authorities, whether checks on his living conditions were conducted, and whether the school reported any violations of his rights. The request was made amid widespread public outcry over the child’s tragic death.

«In connection with information received from the media about the tragic death of a nine-year-old boy enrolled but not attending School No. 391 in St. Petersburg due to incomplete passage of the territorial psychological-medical-social commission, I ask you to inform whether the minor was registered with the guardianship and trusteeship authorities, whether checks on his living conditions and upbringing were conducted, and whether the school or other institutions reported violations of his rights, in particular the right to education,» the letter states.

Tatyana Butskaya also demands clarification of the systemic procedure for interaction between guardianship authorities, schools, and the commission in cases where bureaucratic procedures deprive a child of access to education. According to her, a child should not miss school due to a commission’s refusal.

«The whole of Russia has paid attention to this story. This is a terrible disaster, and such things simply should not happen. We thank the Interior Ministry for quickly finding the person responsible for the boy’s death, but it is terrible that this disaster could not be prevented,» the deputy said.

She stressed that she intends to find out how children referred to the commission and who did not end up at school are monitored, and whether denial of access to education is a systemic problem.

It is known that the deceased Pavel came from a large family with six siblings. He did not attend school because, according to his grandmother, he «was not ready.» The boy tried to earn money by washing cars, where a man took him away and later confessed to the murder.

The St. Petersburg Committee for Social Policy said they would prepare a response to the deputy in the prescribed manner. Questions about monitoring the situation in the boy’s family, the committee suggested addressing to the administration of Krasnoselsky District and local guardianship authorities, who have so far refrained from commenting.

Earlier, the St. Petersburg prosecutor’s office also initiated an inspection of the city’s social services in connection with this case.

Tatyana Butskaya is the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, a pediatrician by training, and chairwoman of the public organization «Council of Mothers.»