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The children’s drawing shows missiles aimed at a woman and a child holding a Ukrainian flag. It reads: “I am against the war”. 13-year-old Maria Moskalyova from Jefremov, Russia, drew the drawing at school – and was therefore sent to a children’s home, her father to court. The case draws attention outside the small town and illustrates the harshness with which Moscow has cracked down on criticism of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine.
Large posters along the main street of Yefremov advertise the campaign against the neighboring country: “For a world without Nazis” is written on it, or simply the letter Z, which stands for the so-called special military operation. But some of the 37,000 residents seem to question state propaganda.
“Insulting the Russian Armed Forces”
When the principal saw Maria’s photo, she immediately called the police. Officials checked the father’s internet accounts and discovered comments in which he criticized the offensive. Alexey Moskalyov has been under house arrest since March 1. On Monday, the public prosecutor’s office demanded two years in prison in the trial against the 54-year-old for “disparagement of the Russian armed forces”.
In another trial on April 6, the single father could eventually be stripped of custody of his daughter, as described by his lawyer Vladimir Biljenko. According to independent city deputy Olga Podolskaya, Maria is not even allowed to call her single father.
‘It’s terrible to separate a father from his daughter’
The actions of the authorities in Yefremov, a quiet town 300 kilometers south of Moscow, shocked people across Russia. Opposition media report that an online petition calls for Maria to go home. Even Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner paramilitary troop, has criticized the separation of father and daughter.
In the streets of Yefremov, few people are willing to talk openly about the case or about Ukraine. “It’s terrible to separate a father from his daughter. She only gave her opinion,” says student Alexandra. A pensioner, who refused to give her name, says her life has changed since the Russian invasion. what I’m thinking about now is the military news. I see the sacrifices on both sides. I want it to be over as soon as possible,” she says. (AFP/jmh)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
