Creativity, humanism and mercy are of special importance in the aftermath of the Crocus City Hall massacre, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday. His comments came as lawmakers in Moscow debated reinstating the death penalty for terrorists.
Speaking at a Kremlin ceremony honoring young artists and educators, the Russian president addressed last Friday’s terrorist attack at the Moscow concert venue, in which over 130 people died and scores more were seriously injured.
“It is extremely important for us now, when we’re dealing with what happened last Friday, to rely on these values of creativity, humanism and mercy,” Putin said. “They unite us in supporting all victims, in our determination to stay strong and together.”
Artists and educators have a special role in preserving and promoting those values, by influencing the mood of the public and shaping the future of the nation, the Russian president added.