"The share of thieves" ... Who are the "thieves in law" (video)

Thieves in law is a specific to the USSR (in the future for Russia and CIS) criminal association, which has no analogues in the world of criminal practice, was formed in the 30-ies of XX century and is characterized by strict codes of criminal traditions, as well as an exceptional level of closeness and secrecy.

History

The appearance of the thieves in law refers to the beginning of the 1930s, when the harsh repression activity was suppressed political opposition and was reinforced fight against common crime, which had risen due to collectivization and famine. The main unifying force of the criminal world became a trend of non-political opposition and disobedience to authority, and its elite were "thieves" who called themselves the guardians of criminal traditions of pre-revolutionary Russia.

Thieves had a special code of conduct, customs and traditions, which included a complete rejection of social norms and regulations, including those related to family (the thief in law in any case should not have permanent relationships with women) and at least a full prohibition of any sort of collaboration with government agencies: in the form of participation in each others' public events, and promote judicial and investigative authorities in the investigation of crimes.

In 1979 there was a meeting in Kislovodsk ("gathering"), criminal leaders ("thieves") and illegal employers. Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to pay employers 10% of their revenues in exchange for security.

Adopted thief-in-law in the underworld group has to commit to the thieves 'laws', customs and traditions.

Rules of thieves in law

Gathering crowns the thief, it also debunks the offender. Any thieves sanctions, up to a slap, is conducted with the knowledge of the gathering. The thief has no right to punish the other thief himself. He must convene a gathering and present sanction.

Thieves can assign and collect in the forest, but the safety of its veil for the official reception. Before the thieves had a tradition to gather in prison hospitals under the guise of patients.

Thieves were carted to the city, then to the regional, and sometimes to the Republican hospital. Most thieves do not know about the "agenda", and asking about that is not accepted: a thief must be ready for anything, even for the worst.

If forty years ago the gathering of all of the thieves could convene, but now it is assigned to the community - a group of several lawyers. Gatherings are of two types: local and regional. All depends on the "agenda" of the importance of the issue to be discussed.

Famous Moscow Butyrka prison remembers the case when in the late 80's thieves' meeting was held. Thieves in law under the guise of family and friends came to visit the prisoner, as the thief in law. The "modest programs" were brandy, eggs, ham. In the midst of the feast the commandos arrived and arrested all but the hero of rallies. But soon the "relatives and friends" were freed.

Thief sentenced to death may only marginal gathering and local can deprive thieves titles. Guilty thief can be served to the thieves' three types of punishment.