The drama about a single father and his daughter in Russia, who got divorced because of a child drawing against the Ukraine offensive, is entering the next sad round: even before a Russian court has ruled on the final revocation of custody of the 54- year-old, who has now been sentenced to two years in prison, has to decide, it has now become known that his daughter Masha has been placed under the care of her mother. The two had not seen each other for years.
The case of Alexei Moskalyov and his 13-year-old daughter Masha from the small town of Yefremov, some 300 kilometers south of Moscow, also made international headlines. Also in Russia, an online petition calling for Masha’s return to her father garnered more than 145,000 signatures – despite government repression in the country.
Two years in prison for Masha’s father for “discrediting” the army
After the girl drew a picture at school of a woman and child holding a Ukrainian flag being threatened by missiles, the authorities intervened. They found critical internet comments about Masha’s father. The girl was then placed in a home and her father was sentenced to two years in prison for “discrediting” the Russian army. Moskalyov escaped house arrest before the hearing, but was captured in Belarus two days later.
On the eve of Thursday’s crucial court hearing on the future fate of the father and daughter, authorities announced that Masha’s mother, Olga Sichikhina, suddenly appeared and took the child away.
Masha did not want to see mother at first
“Let’s hope mother and daughter are okay,” controversial children’s rights commissioner Maria Lwowa-Belowa told Telegram. “Masha initially did not want to see her mother,” Lvova-Belova wrote. “But she changed her mind, she told me on the phone herself.” The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Lvowa-Belowa on charges of kidnapping Ukrainian children.
Father’s letter: ‘Ask for your father’
Alexey Moskalyov has not been seen since his arrest in Belarus. The civil rights organization OWD-Info published a short letter from the 54-year-old to his daughter on Thursday, which was forwarded by his lawyer. On the hastily scribbled note, Moskalyov asks his “Maschenka” to hold on – there are people “looking for ways to help you”. She must agree if family members want to file for custody of her. “It’s better than being in an orphanage.” He then writes to his daughter: “If you are taken to court, ask for your father. Urge the judge to do so.”
Last week, Masha wrote her father a heartbreaking letter: “Dad, you are my hero,” it read. “I love you very much, you are innocent, I will always be by your side.” Everything will be fine, the 13-year-old continued: “I know you won’t give in, you are strong, we are strong.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
