Police in Syktyvkar demand removal of children from families for playing on Victory Day installation

Police in Syktyvkar have demanded the separation of three schoolchildren from their families because they played on a cube installation set up for Victory Day celebrations. Two of the children's mothers disclosed the incident on the Russian social network VKontakte.

In Syktyvkar, Russia, police have demanded the separation of three schoolchildren from their families on the grounds that the children played on a cube installation erected to mark Victory Day, celebrated on 9 May, the anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II. Two mothers, Anna Savelyeva and Irina Kalibabatshuk, disclosed the incident on VKontakte on 29 May.

According to the mothers, the children were simply playing on a decorative installation in the street created to mark the 9 May celebrations. However, the situation became serious when the authorities decided to remove the children from their families as a result.

One child asked their mother in fear: "Mum, will I be sent to prison?" This question illustrates the psychological pressure that families have been placed under. The mothers expressed concern to other parents that separating children from their families would seriously damage their mental health.

The incident has attracted widespread attention and criticism, as the authorities' response is considered disproportionate. Russia has seen a rise in recent years in cases where children playing or being photographed near Victory Day-related symbols has led to investigations or punishment.