The Destructive Consequences of Jealousy

Domestic quarrels escalating to death threats should not go unaddressed by the public and the state. This is the point where it is appropriate to intervene and prevent the possible commission of a more serious crime.

The reasons for committing this category of crimes can vary, but the main and primary one is jealousy, usually accompanied by alcohol.

For example, in January 2019, a 68-year-old resident of Beshenkovichi district, S., was brought to criminal responsibility for a death threat. Driven by jealousy, he periodically instigated scandals with his cohabitant and other villagers. On that ill-fated day, S. saw his neighbor L. cycling past his house, grabbed an axe, and ran after him, accusing him of an affair with his cohabitant and shouting that he would kill him. Citizen L. took the threat seriously and, fearing for his life and defending himself with his bicycle, managed to escape home, from where he called the police. During the court hearing, S. showed no remorse and did not admit his guilt, claiming that L. had no reason to fear the threat would be carried out, and that he merely wanted to scare him.

However, criminal liability for a death threat arises when there are sufficient grounds to fear its execution. For example, if during such threats, the person making them holds a knife, hammer, axe, or similar object, and their actions themselves indicate that the threat could be carried out, then there is an element of crime in the actions of that person. It does not matter whether the person actually intended to carry out their threat.

The court agreed with the state prosecutor's opinion and found S. guilty of the aforementioned crime. The verdict has entered into force.

Assistant District Prosecutor

2nd Class Lawyer E.L. Kabachevskaya