MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The reinstatement of the death penalty in Russia would require common sense and not an emotional approach, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov said Friday.
Earlier today, the leader of the center-left A Just Russia party suggested reinstating the capital punishment for terrorists and their collaborators in the wake of terror attacks on a Russian airliner in Egypt and public venues across Paris.
"Sometimes it's necessary to rely not on emotions, but on common sense and Russia's international obligations. In my personal opinion, to put it mildly, is that this [reinstating the death penalty] is premature and inappropriate," Ivanov said.
Ivanov said that he did not believe this move would gain the support of over 90 percent of Russian citizens, should the country hold a referendum on the issue.
Russia suspended the death penalty indefinitely in 1999, although it was retained in the Constitution. The capital punishment by firing squad is reserved for especially severe offenses, such as aggravated murder and genocide.
