Russia: Young hero died protecting sister from molester

Russia Today ^ | Feb. 6, 2009 | staff

[walford]

A seven-year-old boy who died defending his older sister from a potential rapist has been honoured posthumously. Zhenya Tabakov's mother received the order of courage medal on behalf of her son.

Just over two months ago Galina lost her son and she's still struggling to get over the shock.

Zhenya was brutally murdered by a robber, as the boy was trying to save his 12-year-old sister from being raped.

It all happened in late November, in the small military town of Noginsk-9 - a place where even small crimes are rare.

Around midday, a man rang the bell of the flat where Zhenya and his family lived.

“I asked who it was. The man said he was the postman, and he needed to give us a telegram and get a signature. So I opened the door,” recalls Zhenya’s sister Yana.

The little girl says the man held a knife to her throat, and demanded that her brother bring him all the money he could find. Zhenya did as he was told. But when the man started undressing his sister it was more than the boy could bear.

Zhenya seized a knife from the kitchen and plunged it into the man's back. This didn't kill the attacker, but it was enough to set Zhenya's sister free. She ran for help. But it was too late for her brother - he was stabbed eight times.

Thirty-five-year old Sergey Kiyashko is in custody accused of the murder.  Police say they have all the evidence they need to convict him.

The entire population of the little town seemed to show up for the farewell ceremony. The heroic death of seven-year-old Zhenya was something that the federal prosecutor's office could not pass by either. The chief inspector Aleksandr Bystrykin paid tribute to the boy's courage.

“At the prosecutor’s office, we witness many atrocities on a daily basis. But this case has sent many of us into shock. And it's played a part in the drafting of a new law on tougher punishment for those who commit crimes against children,” Bystrykin said.

Receiving the order for her son, Galina was unable to speak.

Nothing can bring Zhenya back to life again, but the little boy's heroism has become the pride of the town - and of his school in particular.

The boy’s photo now occupies the desk where he used to sit. Later on a special plaque will be fixed onto it. And only the best pupils will have the chance and honour of taking that place.

[walford]

Many of us can say what we might do in such a situation, but unless you're tested, you really don't know until it comes up.

I doubt many of us would have had the courage to do what this child did to save his sister.

Safe passage, little brave soul.

[metmom]

Thirty-five-year old Sergey Kiyashko is in custody accused of the murder. Police say they have all the evidence they need to convict him.

Burning in hell forever is too good for this piece of scum.

[JDW11235]

I concur. Godspeed.

[metmom]

Zhenya seized a knife from the kitchen and plunged it into the man's back. This didn't kill the attacker, but it was enough to set Zhenya's sister free. She ran for help. But it was too late for her brother - he was stabbed eight times.

No greater love has a man.....

What a hero this boy is. My heart breaks for the family.

[B-Chan]

Hero (and saint).

Straight to Valhalla.

[catman67]

If Obi-Wan had any self respect, he should make this child an honorary American citizen!

[bgill]

Brave little boy.

[JimRed]

In about seven U.S. states the boy, had he survived the attack, would be up on charges for stabbing the criminal.

[SampleMan]

A pure brave soul. I pray that God holds him tight.

[ChocChipCookie]

My litle 7 yo son has the heart of a hero, too. When he was just 4 years old, he grabbed his sister’s arm to keep her from going into what he thought was a scary museum exhibit. He was quite protective of her, even though she was almost 7 at the time. That is a God-given instinct, for a man to protect his family. I was just amazed to see it come out in a little boy so young.

[metmom]

My son is like that as well.

BTW, Love your tagline. Sadly, you’d have to keep it for several changes of office when we see who’s in the wings.