Russian police have launched an investigation into a child’s drawing that shows a mother and child standing up against Russian missiles heading towards them from Ukraine. The drawing, by a 12-year-old girl named Masha Moskaleva, has led to her father, Alexei Moskalev, facing a possible prison sentence.
According to Olga Podolskaya, a town councillor in Yefremov, a town 200 miles (320km) south of Moscow, Masha’s school contacted the police after seeing her drawing. The police then investigated Alexei’s social media and told him that he was bringing up his daughter in a bad way. Charges were brought against Alexei for an anti-war post on social media, and he was fined 32,000 roubles (around $415 or £338 at the time) for discrediting the Russian armed forces. A criminal case was also opened against him a few weeks ago, with anti-war posts again forming the basis for discreditation charges.
As a result, Alexei is currently under house arrest in Yefremov, and Masha has been sent to a children’s home. Alexei has not been allowed to speak to his daughter on the phone, and no one has seen Masha since 1 March, despite attempts to gain access to the children’s home and find out how she is doing.
The situation has raised concerns about freedom of expression in Russia, with Podolskaya saying that the Russian authorities want everyone to “toe the line” and that “no one is allowed to have their own opinion.” She added that “if you disagree with what someone thinks, then don’t read their social media posts. But don’t put that person under house arrest and their child in a children’s home.”
Vladimir Biliyenko, Alexei’s lawyer, believes that Masha was taken away for political reasons. He said that if the authorities had real questions for the father, they should have invited him to give a statement, along with Masha, and spoken to her. However, none of this was done, and the social services seemed obsessed with the family, he said. “I think it’s purely for political reasons. The family’s problems only began after the girl drew that picture,” he added.
Alexei’s neighbours expressed their support for him, but many were afraid to speak out, with one pensioner saying, “I’m scared to say anything. I’m frightened to.” Another woman suggested collecting signatures in Alexei’s support, but when asked for her opinion, she hesitated, saying, “I don’t want to get involved in this.”
The situation highlights the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the challenges facing those who speak out against the official line in Russia. It also raises concerns about the treatment of children caught up in such conflicts and the impact it can have on their lives
