Mother Faces Legal Trouble Over Daughter’s Political Video In Crimea

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A mother in Russian-annexed Crimea faces charges for her daughter’s pro-Ukraine video, highlighting Russia’s intensifying crackdown on dissent.

At a Glance

A woman in Crimea was charged with child neglect after her daughter posted a pro-Ukraine video
Russia has enforced strict censorship laws against criticism of the military since the Ukraine conflict began
The incident is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia and occupied territories
Human rights in Russia have “severely deteriorated” since the invasion of Ukraine
Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, remains internationally recognized as part of Ukraine

Mother Charged for Daughter’s Pro-Ukraine Video

Russian authorities in Crimea have charged a 38-year-old mother with child neglect after her 10-year-old daughter posted a video expressing support for Ukraine. The local branch of the interior ministry stated, “Taking into account the age of the schoolgirl, her 38-year-old mother will be held administratively liable” for “failure to fulfil obligations for the maintenance and upbringing” of her child.

The video, shared on Russian Telegram channels, showed a girl choosing between Russian and Ukrainian flags, with an angry face emoji next to the Russian flag and a heart emoji next to the Ukrainian one.https://t.co/Pe15VaFa2J

— The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) October 30, 2024

This incident is part of a broader pattern of suppression in Russian-controlled territories. Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, has seen a significant increase in cases related to “discrediting the Russian army,” with the number of such cases second only to Moscow.

Escalating Crackdown on Dissent

The charges against the Crimean mother reflect Russia’s intensifying efforts to silence any form of opposition or criticism of its military actions. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has implemented strict censorship laws reminiscent of Soviet-era tactics. These laws have led to mass arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences for those deemed to be spreading “fake news” about the Russian military.

“Russia is no longer an authoritarian state—it is a totalitarian state,” said Oleg Orlov, highlighting the severity of the crackdown.

The suppression of dissent extends beyond adults to include children. In a similar case, Alexei Moskalyov was sentenced to two years in prison after his daughter drew an image critical of Russian military actions. Moskalyov described his detention conditions as “just a torture chamber,” emphasizing the harsh treatment of those who oppose the government’s narrative.

Human Rights Concerns

A recent UN report has found that human rights in Russia have “severely deteriorated” since the invasion of Ukraine. The report highlights a systematic crackdown on civil society, including police brutality, repression of independent media, and the silencing of Kremlin critics through new punitive laws.

“Russians are getting shockingly long prison sentences,” noted UN Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova, underlining the severity of the punishments for dissent.

The crackdown has disproportionately affected certain groups, including indigenous communities and LGBTQ+ individuals. Katzarova warned, “Indigenous people… are really facing extinction if this continues,” referring to their overrepresentation in military drafts and travel restrictions.

Crimea’s Uncertain Future

As the 10-year anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea approaches, the peninsula remains a focal point of geopolitical tension. Despite international recognition of Crimea as part of Ukraine, Russia continues to tighten its control over the region. Billboards in Crimea proclaim, “Ten years of the Crimean spring. It all started with us,” reflecting the Russian narrative of the annexation.

“People who chant slogans, sing songs, or nationalist hymns will be punished according to the criminal code,” warned Crimea’s Moscow-installed leader Sergei Aksyonov, illustrating the strict measures against pro-Ukrainian sentiment.

While Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has hinted at future operations in Crimea, stating, “These are all preparatory moves before a serious operation in Crimea,” the immediate prospects for Ukraine’s control over the peninsula remain uncertain. The ongoing crackdown on dissent in Crimea and throughout Russia continues to raise international concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in the region.