Russian Father Detained in Belarus after Fleeing House Arrest for Ukraine-Themed School Drawing

The Case of Alexei Moskalyov

Alexei Moskalyov, a 54-year-old single father, has been detained in Belarus after fleeing house arrest in Russia. Moskalyov was sentenced to two years in prison for “discrediting” the Russian army. His sentence was related to his daughter’s Ukraine-themed school drawing.

Daughter’s Drawing and Criminal Case

Moskalyov’s daughter, Maria, drew a picture showing missiles next to a Russian flag heading towards a woman and child standing by a Ukrainian flag. Her head teacher contacted the police, and a criminal case was later opened against the father for criticizing Russia’s assault on Ukraine on social media.

Separation from Daughter

Maria was taken away from Moskalyov in March and placed in a local “rehabilitation center” for minors, with the pair denied contact. Moskalyov is at risk of losing parental rights in a separate trial set to begin on April 6.

Critics Speak Out Against Sentencing

Russia’s top human rights organization, Memorial, considers Moskalyov a “political prisoner,” stating that his case was “an attempt to intimidate all opponents” of the conflict in Ukraine. Memorial said that charges against him are “anti-legal in nature”. Even some Russian hardliners have expressed misgivings about the severity of the case.

Kremlin Crackdown on Free Speech

Moskalyov’s case highlights the Kremlin’s crackdown on free speech since charging thousands with criticizing Russia’s war in Ukraine since it began. The law used to prosecute Moskalyov criminalizes any criticism of the Russian army introduced just days into the invasion. The law has forced Russia’s last remaining independent media to shut down, and regular Russians have to think twice before they speak out.

Lawyer Seeks Justice

Moskalyov’s lawyer does not know where his client is or how he escaped house arrest. He launched a campaign on social media, calling for Moskalyov’s release, stating that the sentence is unjust and that the charge is baseless.

The Reason Behind the Charges

The reason given for Alexei Moskalyov’s charges was discrediting Russia’s army. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has defended Moskalyov’s sentencing, describing the father’s parenting as “deplorable”.

Conclusion

Moskalyov’s case represents a chilling new level of repression in Russia in which any form of public dissent can lead to two years in prison, loss of parental rights, and the separation of families. It remains to be seen whether Russia will change its policies towards free speech and human rights in the future.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons