Russian police in Crimea have charged a woman with child neglect after her 10-year-old daughter allegedly posted a video online that was seen as discrediting the Russian army. The video, which was shared on Russian Telegram channels, showed the girl choosing between Russian and Ukrainian flags, with negative emojis next to the Russian flag and positive emojis next to the Ukrainian one. The local police identified the girl as a 10-year-old from Saky, a town in western Crimea. As a result of the incident, the mother, who is 38 years old, will be held administratively liable for failing to fulfill her obligations for the care and upbringing of her child.
This incident highlights the strict censorship laws in Russia that prohibit any criticism of the army, especially since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thousands of people have been jailed, fined, or arrested for violating these laws. The charge against the mother in this case could result in a fine of up to 500 rubles or a written warning. The authorities in Russia are cracking down on any form of dissent or criticism that could be seen as discrediting the decisions of the Russian leadership. Independent journalism is also under threat, as seen with The Moscow Times being labeled as an “undesirable” organization, risking prosecution for its work.
The Moscow Times is facing unprecedented challenges as the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has taken actions to silence independent journalism. By designating The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization and labeling it as a “foreign agent,” the authorities are criminalizing their work and putting their staff at risk of prosecution. Despite these challenges, the journalists at The Moscow Times refuse to be silenced and are committed to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. They rely on the support of readers to continue their work in the face of repression.
The situation in Crimea reflects the tense political climate in the region, with Russia’s increased control and enforcement of strict laws to maintain order and prevent any form of dissent. The incident involving the 10-year-old girl and her mother is just one example of the consequences for those who go against the official narrative or criticize the authorities. The charges of child neglect against the mother serve as a warning to others who may consider engaging in activities that could be seen as discrediting the Russian army or leadership.
It is essential to support organizations like The Moscow Times that are committed to providing independent journalism and reporting on Russia. The threats and challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in the country are significant, but with the support of readers and individuals who value freedom of expression and information, these organizations can continue their work. By standing with The Moscow Times and other independent media, individuals are defending open journalism in the face of repression and censorship, making a significant impact in promoting transparency and accountability. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in upholding the principles of democracy and free speech.
