Russia honors convicted pedophile with state prize after military service

It's important to note that many reports from Russian media and government sources may not be reliable. These could be part of an information campaign by the Russian Federation.

The Russian government awarded a state prize to a convicted pedophile who had been drafted into the military from prison, according to Novaya Gazeta. However, no official confirmation of the man’s release has been given by any government body.

Ilja Bielostocki, formerly a director of children's television programs, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy. He was initially sentenced to 14 years in July 2022, but his term was reduced to 6.5 years.

Last autumn, Bielostocki declared his intention to join the military, expressing his desire to restore his family's pride in him.

Bielostocki recently revealed on his social media that he is free and claimed he was awarded a "medal for saving lives" during his service as a medic in an assault platoon in the Russian army in Ukraine.

"According to Russian law, I am exempt from punishment, and my criminal history has been cleared. To my friends, celebrate; to my adversaries, seethe," Bielostocki stated in a discussion with msk1.ru.

Bielostocki is uncertain about the exact reasons for his award but speculated it could be for saving a commander’s life during combat.

"Should I get leave, I'll visit our unit's headquarters in Russia – that's where they have the decree for the award – and I'll uncover the reason," he concluded.

The attorney representing Bielostocki's victim informed msk1.ru that her clients have decided not to challenge his release.