By IRNA-Itar-Tass
Moscow : The rate of crimes committed in the Russian armed forces went down considerably last year, Russia’s Deputy Prosecutor-General, Chief Military Prosecutor Sergei Fridinsky told the Russian army daily Krasnaya Zvezda.
“The levels of crime were down in all arms and services by 20 percent (Civil Defense troops excluded),” Fridinsky said, adding that was largely a result of joint efforts by prosecutors and military commanders.
The public council operating at the Defense Ministry has found efforts by the office of the chief military prosecutor satisfactory by and large, Fridinsky said.
“This and other non-governmental organizations pursue the same goal as we do, that of restoring order,” Fridinsky said.
“Investigating or correcting something is no task of theirs. They supply us with on-line information, hot facts requiring prompt reaction. We know what to do next.”
About the priorities of military prosecutors’ activity this year Fridinsky said they would focus on safeguarding the economic interests of the state, ensuring the execution of laws in implementing priority national projects and federal programs in military units and the prevention of violence in the armed forces.
On the list of problems that worry military prosecutors the most Fridinsky mentioned corruption and growing material damage caused.
“We have certain problems related with crimes by career officers and deaths of personnel,” the chief military prosecutor said. “Whereas before most fatalities occurred during combat operations and as a result of bullying and hazing, now there has been an upsurge in deaths caused by road accidents.”