Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov, leader of the Union of Right...

Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov, leader of the Union of Right Forces (SPS) speaking at the press centre of the Central House of Journalists, said: "The Duma constantly debates whether drug dealers should be hanged or jailed for life. Their imaginations do not go beyond that. But the problem lies elsewhere: what is needed is elementary educational work because the drug market, even though it is criminal, follows market laws. There is demand and there is supply, both demand and supply are criminal."Legislators say: 'They should be shot and then there will be no supply.' No way. Just the price will grow and the risks will grow. In Florida they shoot drug pushers. But drug abuse is higher in Florida than in Massachussetts, where they are not electrocuted."
"A very different message should be sent to people. They should be told: 'Citizens, you are free to use drugs, of course, you experience euphoria, but after that comes the withdrawal syndrome, impotence and death.' The message to be put across is elementary and clear. Then, perhaps, young people won't fall for drugs so easily. Unfortunately, not much is done in this area, there is nothing but talk."