"Preparing him for jihad". A mother fights for her son who was taken from Latvia to Syria
A Latvian mother, Valērija, is fighting to bring her son Saleh back home after his biological father took him to Syria.
Valērija's story is a poignant narrative of a mother's love and the tragedy of a broken family. Her son, six-year-old Saleh, was taken to Syria by his biological father, Muhammad, whom she trusted to change for the better. Valērija reflects on her 'feminine foolishness' in allowing Muhammad into their lives and the devastating consequences of her decision to let Saleh have a relationship with his father, which ultimately led to the child's abduction.
For over a year, Valērija has had no contact with Saleh, as he is now in a conflict zone where the dangers are immense. The emotional turmoil of not knowing her son’s whereabouts or well-being has consumed Valērija, who fights tirelessly to advocate for her son's return. She highlights the challenges faced by parents in such distressing situations, emphasizing the failure of systems meant to protect children from parental abduction.
This situation raises critical questions about child safety, the responsibilities of both parents in safeguarding their children, and the role of authorities in intervening in potentially harmful family dynamics. Valērija’s battle is not just a personal fight; it represents a broader issue concerning children's rights and the complexities of custody in unstable regions.