Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his strong opposition to the death penalty. Putin vowed to do all he can to prevent the invalidation of the moratorium on capital punishment.
Those speculating about a return to execution are trying to win "additional points in the political struggle, "Putin said. This is a "populist" approach to the issue, he said. The president made these remarks while visiting Izvestia newspaper to mark its 85th anniversary.
"It is pointless to lift the moratorium on executions. Raising the issue in such a way will boost some people's political ratings, but it won't thwart crime," he said.
"Hard and intensive work" is needed to wipe out crime, he said. This entails "revival of the country's economy, eradication of poverty, educational work and consistent reinforcement of law enforcement agencies," he said.
"Certain people will use the issue of reinstating the death penalty during preparations for all kinds of elections,' he said. Asked about alternative service [instead of military service], Putin replied that Russian citizens must have a choice. "Nobody has the right to speculate on this topic," he said.