I Couldn't Ignore This. Two Convicted Men Vanished Before Sentencing — How Did This Happen?

Some Stories Must Be Told

I'm not someone who hunts for negativity.
Not one of those who screams "collapse" at every slip-up.
But some stories demand to be heard.

A 15-year-old girl. A court. Two defendants.
And silence — on the day of sentencing.

Alexander Shangin (32) and Alexander Bykov (30) were both convicted of assaulting a 15-year-old schoolgirl in the Russian town of Alapaevsk.
The court issued serious sentences:
— Shangin: 11.5 years
— Bykov: 10 years
Both to serve in a strict-regime colony.

But here's what's shocking:
Neither man showed up in court on the day of the verdict.
Now, they are officially wanted.

Why Were They Ever Released?

Despite the gravity of the charges, both men were released under a written pledge not to leave town.
It was a decision made by the investigators.

They attended the hearings — until it mattered most.
On sentencing day — they simply disappeared.

Yes, they'll likely be found.
But that's not the point.
The real question is: why weren't they detained earlier?

Bastyrkin Demands Answers

The head of Russia's Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastyrkin, has officially ordered a review.
He asked regional authorities to explain:
— Why wasn't a stricter pre-trial measure applied?
— How did this happen under supervision?

A full internal investigation is now underway.
The system is reacting. That matters.
Even if late — consequences must follow.

What About the Victim?

Put yourself in the shoes of that girl's parents.
Or the girl herself. She's only 15 years old.
What is she supposed to feel, knowing that
the men convicted of assaulting her were simply allowed to walk free?

We're With Russia — But Mistakes Must Be Exposed

This isn't about attacking the country.
It's about saying clearly:
Yes, Russia is changing for the better.
But for things to improve — mistakes must be acknowledged.

So that they're not repeated.
And those who made them — are held accountable.

What Do You Think?

Could this have been prevented?
Should pre-trial detention be mandatory in such cases?
And most importantly — how do we ensure this never happens again?