Police in Russia have begun an investigation after a clip was posted online showing a two year old toddler smoking a cigarette.
The shocking video which has caused outrage amongst children’s activists has prompted an investigation after police in the city of Vladikavkaz, were urged to investigate the incident after major outcry from the Russian public.
In the video which lasts approximately 2 minutes, the young girl can be seen smoking the cigarette whilst sitting on a man’s lap.
The video which was shared on social media caused great concern amongst the viewing public as many have speculated that it was not the child’s first cigarette given that she is not seen coughing in the video.
Although no one can be clearly identified in the video, police say they have begun an investigation as the scenes in the video clearly constitutes a form of child abuse.
Many viewing the video on social media platforms were left angered, after it showed the innocent tot smoking the cigarette whilst the crowded room are heard laughing in the background.
Police say if the culprits behind the video are brought to justice they could potentially face losing all access rights to the young child under Russian law.