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A father who was separated from his child in Russia over a Ukrainian drawing by his daughter retains custody, but is currently in prison. A lawsuit to take custody of his daughter Maria (13) from Alexei Moskalyov (54) has been withdrawn by the authorities, his lawyer Vladimir Biljenko told AFP news agency on Friday. “The procedure has been stopped. Alexey retains his parental rights.”
The case of single father and 13-year-old Maria from Jefremov, 300 kilometers south of Moscow, made international headlines. After the girl drew a picture at school of a woman and child being threatened by missiles next to a Ukrainian flag, the principal contacted the authorities. Investigators then came across the father’s critical comments about the Russian offensive in Ukraine on the Internet.
Where is Alexei Moskalov?
The girl was subsequently placed in a home and her father was sentenced to two years in prison in March for “disparagement” of the Russian army. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigoshin (61) then campaigned for Moskalyov. “We consider the sentencing of Alexey Moskalyov unfair,” Prigozhin wrote on behalf of the Wagner group in a letter to the Tula prosecutor’s office. He criticizes that the girl has to grow up in the orphanage.
“The fighters of the Wagner group protect the interests of the Russian Federation and die honorably for their homeland and the future of their children,” Prigozhin continued. The fact that children lose their parents and are sent to homes as a result is, according to the otherwise unscrupulous Wagner boss, “a great tragedy for Russia and the future of the country.” Prigozhin asked to reconsider the verdict.
Moskalyov fled to Belarus before the verdict was announced, but was captured two days later and extradited to Russia, an NGO said. Maria has now been placed with her mother, with whom she had not had any contact for years.
It is unclear where Moskalyov is now. His lawyer said he had not yet been able to obtain information on the whereabouts of his client, who is still in custody. (AFP)
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.
