I can certainly compliment the Russian police on this one. My case would never have gotten this attention from the police in U.S. It may have had something to do with the fact I was a foreigner, but generally I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the work. Not a stone left unturned, the documentation down to the letter.
I went to the station one final time on Wednesday because the mother of the accused volunteered to pay me back the money I had lost. I don't know if it was out of conscience or in hopes the sentencing would go lighter on her son. By her emotional reaction and what I know of the European and Russian family unit, I believe she felt very ashamed for her son and wanted to make amends. She rounded up on the amount owed, and was reluctant to accept change, but I insisted. This was a lot of money for her, which her son probably squandered on beer and cigarettes. She was in tears and I tried to comfort her, telling her that I too was a parent and knew the pain we went through raising our children. She was a single mother and, by appearances, normal working class, which means what she probably emptied her bank account. Although the money wasn't important anymore, I had to accept for her sake and for the police records, having then written out a receipt and yet another statement saying I was payed in full and will make no further claims. I almost wished I could have handed at least half the money back, but I'm sure she was much too proud to have accepted it.
While the family unit still appears to be very strong, I have noticed in talking to some of the young people that they feel a bit frustrated with the lack of opportunity in their country. They have come a long way since the Soviet Union days, but still remain a long way from enjoying the freedoms and prosperity we have in the states. Unfortunately, some resort to unscrupulous means to try to get ahead.
very kind of you
ReplyDelete