CJUS 701 WK5 Russia Scenario.docx.pdf

DETAINED IN RUSSIA 1

Detained in Russia

Natanisha Hershberger

Helms School of Government, Liberty University

Author Note

Natanisha Hershberger

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Natanisha Hershberger

Email: nhershberger3@liberty.edu

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Abstract

(such as speech), the leadership methodology begs to differ in action - instilling fear, and

personnel working in a criminal justice position are shifting beliefs and altering value systems

with intensity and skepticism (2015, p.364). For example, organized crime and corruption in

rights is another notable discussion about the Russian government.

In addition, the disregard (distaste) to recreational or medical cannabis (among other narcotics)

are highly recognized. Meaning that any form of cannabis (over six grams) is illegal (Gritsenko

et al., 2020). Therefore, if caught with marijuana (medicinal or otherwise) one would ultimately

face punishment. As an American, without diplomatic immunity, the process of the Russian

courts decides the outcome. From a Christian perspective, choosing to break the law (no matter

the country) one must face their consequences. James 2:10 reminds us, “…whoever shall keep

the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (KJV).

Keywords: Russia, criminal justice system, organized crime, illicit drugs, Christian

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Detained in Russia

organized crime and corruption. Organized crime and corruption are not unnoticeable in Russia –

government (leadership) are supposed to prevent evil doers from sin and not take advantage of

the position. Government is to serve, seek, and uplift for the good of the people and not for the

Federation (December 12, 1993) (Terrill, 2015, p. 370). There are 137 articles within the nine

chapters of the constitution by the former President Boris Yeltsin (2015, p. 370). Unlike the

United States, Russia tends to sway the legislation in favor of the power (government) versus the

people of the country. President Putin has shown his ability to seek and hold the power of the

Russian Federation and the daring questions will remain a whisper among society.

In this document the discussion of breaking the law in Russia and the human rights aspect

will be included. In addition, a summary of the criminal justice system, government structure,

and transnational issues will be encompassed. Furthermore, relations between Russia and the

United States, as well as a Christian worldview will be explored. Understand that, regardless of

the assumptions of the elite – the role of the government should be limited (Johnson, 2022).

Scenario

Imagine, being three credits shy of graduation and planning to take a trip (post-

graduation) to a location you have always heard about but had not experienced - Russia. In the

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American movies and television shows Russia has been portrayed as a location that is boasting

the same class needed to complete the degree is the same class offered overseas. I could not and

To have the opportunity to not only graduate on time, but to be able to experience a

lifetime moment I have wanted to seize for so long is coming together in a matrimonial way is

nightmare – by my own actions. Roughly two weeks prior to completion of the final course

(credits) I was incarcerated by the Russian police.

I was incarcerated for illegal possession of cannabis (nine grams), which is against the

law in Russia (Gritsenko et al, 2020). Although the cannabis was not only mine alone, but it was

also in my bag that was seized during a raid in our living area. I was aware of the laws in Russia,

however, I never expected to be the one in a position of being close to completing my degree and

leaving a country I finally got to explore – to facing the inside of a Russian court room. There is

no one to blame but self for choosing to take part in illegal activities. Therefore, without the

ability to have the United States assist in the Russian courts and the fact that I willingly chose to

partake in illegal activities – instead of celebrating my accomplishments, I will spend up to seven

years in a Russian prison as my punishment. Facing consequences for my actions I am reminded

of Exodus 22:9, “…shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall

pay double unto his neighbor” (KJV).

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People of Russia

population of Russia is estimated at less than 142 million (2022). Russian Orthodox (15-20%) is

(2022). According to Soronika (2019), Russians categorize friendships and take closeness

seriously. Unlike in America - when people smile in Russia it is soulful (2019).

sorts (CIA, 2022). Russia relies on exports of aluminum, steel, oil, and gas (2022). The 2021

Growth Domestic Product (GDP) shows Russia at $1.7 trillion – which is up from the 2019

downfall into 2020 ($1.49 trillion (The World Bank, 2022). According to Agostini (2018), the

Russian Federation is taking steps to improve the livelihood of the people yet remains one the

“largest impoverished countries with a developed country.”

In July 2020, President Putin signed new legislation to not only reform the economic

interests of the people (working class), but a reform for criminal justice structuring (Nobles &

Petrov, 2021). However, the 206 changes to the 1993 constitution would remain in a lingering

state until a popular vote by the citizens was completed (2021). Furthermore, with the ongoing

war (February 2022-) between Ukraine and Russia the economic balance fell into recession

(post-eight months invasion) (Tan, 2022). Unless a change in structure is within the near future –

the economy of Russia will continue to plunder.

Relations with the United States

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The United States and Russia are historically foes and acquaintances. There are

demeanor of undermining the United States when ever possible. So much so, that President Putin

control the ability of free speech (or freedom of expression) (2021). Unlike numerous other

European countries (38 state members), Russia is not a part of the North Atlantic Treaty

Treaty Organization (NATO) (defense) was established in 1949 (2021).

Transnational Issues

A predominant issue in Russia includes human trafficking (smuggling) of persons and

forced labor (CIA, 2022). Russia is a hotspot of illicit drugs from numerous countries - to include

Afghanistan opium, South American cocaine, and North African hashish (2022). The Russian

mafia (like the Japan Yakuza – but larger) are considered a model structure of organized

transnational crime (Dammer & Reichel, 2014). Therefore, not only does the Russian Federation

have corruption internally that need addressing, but the Russian mafia are affiliates of drug

trafficking, weapon smuggling, and not shy to murder an official (politician) (to name a few)

(2014).

Questionably, the now President, Vladimir Putin (2012-) was previously the Prime

Minister, and prior to Prime Minister (2008-2012), he was President, and yet prior to being

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elected President the first term (2000-2008) – he was, (you guessed it), Prime Minister (1999-

authoritarian. If the legislation (July 2020) signed by President Putin goes into full effect, he

Criminal Justice Structure

Russia’s criminal justice structure has similarities to the United States. According to CIA

budgetary cuts, lack of resources, and created ineffectiveness with duties (Terrill, 2015, p. 388).

Not shockingly, the politsia acted ‘above the law’ (2015, p. 388). The court systems in the

Russian Federation are regulated by the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Constitution, as well as

the Federal Constitutional Law on the Judicial System (1996) of the Russian Federation (Terrill,

2015, p. 398).

Article 48, Russian Federation outlines that everyone does have the right to counsel, like

that of the United States system of criminal procedures (Terrill, 2015, p. 411). Furthermore,

Article 49 states that all person are innocent until proven guilty. Sound familiar? Given the

scenario (previously indicated), the defendant would face a district court for trial with jurors

present. Ultimately the defendant was found guilty of charges having been found with more than

the legal amount of six grams (cannabis) and sentenced with seven years’ imprisonment.

Human Rights

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Chapter Two, Articles 20-25 outlines some of the human rights within the Constitution of

personal life, (24) the gathering, storing, use, and dissemination of information about a person’s

(2015, pp. 371-372). Implementation of such rights do not seemingly show in action within the

women’s prison system of the Russian Federation. According to a study by Golichenko & Chu

same. With 16-17 hours of labor and four hours of sleep nightly (Krhunova, 2021). Inmates have

claimed that there are moments when ‘overtime’ (labor) is said to be voluntary – the threat of

taking away possible parole and other factors are used to make prisoners sign a ‘waiver of their

own volition’ to work (2021). Instead of prison cells – like most countries – Russia prisoners are

in ‘barracks’ known as penal colonies (Strzelecki, 2019). The women prisons are typically called

the ‘red’ colony (Krhunova, 2021). Proverbs 29:22 (KJV) states, “an angry man that stirreth up

strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” Meaning one could get angry, but it

advisable to not smite those that place us in horrendous situations. Anger can rule one that allows

it.

Christian Perspective

The late Dr. Martin Luther Kind once stated, “…Communism and Christianity are

fundamentally incompatible” (Voss, 2016). Although the Soviet government (Communism)

collapsed in the early 1990s the eerily ways of the former structure have yet to dissipate

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completely. 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “…inhumanity of man refers to the viciousness people

of Romans 13:1-7 summarizes that “whoever resists authority resists the ordinance of God…”

which they have had to endure, “be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart…”

(Psalms 31:24, KJV). There is much to be reformed within the structure of the Russian

In summary, organized crime and corruption are not unnoticeable in Russia – yet

somehow have seemingly become the norm of society (Fickenauer, 2018). “The positive aspect

to the role of government is promoting good and protecting peace” (Johnson, 2022). It is an

obvious conclusion that President Vladimir Putin has shown no reluctance of relinquishing

power soon. Nor does he truly desire to make swift and just changes to assist in the growth of his

nation – although he stated in 2020 that he does (Noble & Petrov, 2021).

In fact, he has signed into law the ability for him to possibly remain the President until

2036 (Department of State, 2021). With the invasion of Ukraine (2022) – the people of Russia

face recession, displacement of the people, and incontrollable outcome. The treatment of

prisoners would be the lower number of ‘concerns’ now (in this moment). As an American,

without diplomatic immunity, the process of the Russian courts decides the outcome. Admittedly,

from a Christian perspective, choosing to break the law (no matter the country) one must face