Protest>> Politics ÔÇó Russia
In March this year, when Vladmir Putin announced Russia’s new protest law, even the most optimist feared death of democracy. A resident of the Siberian city of Yekaterinburg has found a novel way to subvert the law: enlist the support of the authorities. Ostislav Zhuravlyov decided to inform his fellow, like-minded thinkers to join him on a tour of the city to enjoy the local surroundings. This was his way of getting the opposition together without being guilty of forming an opposition protest gathering.
Zhuravlyov wrote to the local authorities: “I would like to inform you of my intention to organise a onetime mass event on June 24, 2012, in which people will walk through public places in Yekaterinburg in order to view the city’s attractions.”
The authorities agreed and provided police escort. The “tour”, in which participants only talked politics, was caught on video and is now a hot item on YouTube. It has led other opposition members from across the nation to create other like-minded social events.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.