Human rights organizations link the increase in life sentences to the expansion of the list of criminal offenses for which this type of punishment can be imposed.
The previous records for the number of people sentenced to life imprisonment were set in 2005 and 2012, when 84 individuals received such sentences. Since 2005, the total number of people sentenced to life imprisonment in Russia has reached 1,316.
In recent years, the list of crimes for which a life sentence can be imposed has significantly increased. Such crimes now include treason, organizing a terrorist act, and involving minors in sabotage activities.
