Owner of Winter Cherry escapes punishment

Despite the expectations of the parents and relatives of the children who died in the Winter Cherry shopping centre, the building's owner and others responsible for the tragedy will either avoid punishment or receive a minimal sentence.

Billionaire Dmitry Shpengelov, who prudently managed to flee to Australia, will not even be tried for the deaths of 60 people.

The charges against Igor Polozinenko and Alexander Nikitin, who "maintained" the non-functioning fire alarm system, have been reduced.

Head of fire protection Sergey Genin may be convicted under the article for "negligence".