MOSCOW, October 11 (RAPSI) – Russia’s child rights commissioner Anna Kuznetsova on Friday called on the State Duma to take steps to toughen punishment for crimes against minors as soon as possible, the ombudsman’s press service told RAPSI.

Kuznetsova reminded of this initiative following the murder of a 9-year-old girl in the city of Saratov.

According to the ombudsman, her office has already submitted their proposals concerning this matter to the State Duma and is expecting its speedy consideration.

The 9-year-old girl from Saratov went missing on her way to school on October 9. Searches began immediately. The minor was found killed in one of the city’s garages on the night of October 11.

An alleged murderer was arrested. During the questioning, the 35-year-old man pleaded guilty. According to his testimony, several months ago he voluntary took possession of an abandoned garage. On October 9, near the vehicle sprung he met the girl, who asked him whether that garage belonged to him. The suspect thought that the garage was the property of her family and killed the child, according to the Investigative Committee’s information.

Reportedly, the arrested man was previously convicted several times of heavy crimes including robbery, rape and sexual violence.