Voina Embrace Police Force (Literally)

By Citizen M | Published: March 1, 2011

Here’s the latest video from anti-authoritarian art collective Voina, whose previous stunts include flipping over police cars and painting an erect phallus on a draw bridge to salute the FSB headquarters.  Two of their number, Oleg Vorotnikov and Leonid Nikolaev, were released from custody on Friday thanks to the largesse of British graffiti artist Banksy, […]

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RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – March 1, 2011

By Citizen M | Published:

TODAY: Opposition leaders to appeal over Putin lawsuit; new police law might make shutting down websites simpler; environmental activists detained; jailed Belarusian opposition member’s prison torture claims.  Lavrov meets with Clinton; Russia-Syria arms deal to go ahead; Medvedev picks region chiefs; hex put on A Just Russia deputy; Voina artists released thanks to Banksy; mascot […]

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Will Police Reform Law Really Reduce Corruption?

By Citizen M | Published: February 28, 2011

On the eve of Russia’s new police reform law coming into effect, the LA Times features some particularly harrowing accounts of the experiences of residents of Nizhny Novgorod at the hands of local police.  These sobering testimonies act as a pointed reminder that reform of the country’s brutalized law enforcement culture remains desperately needed.  The story […]

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Sochi’s Snow Leopard Receives Frosty Welcome

By Citizen M | Published:

It seems that no vote can take place in Russia without accusations flying over overzealous electioneering, dirty tricks or straightforward rigging.  Last night’s TV vote for the mascots of the Sochi Winter Olympics has proved no different.   Putin’s public backing of the snowboarding leopard, who proved to be the eventual winner, alongside a doe-eyed hare […]

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RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – Feb 28, 2011

By Citizen M | Published:

TODAY: Russia condemns Libyan repression; backs UN sanctions; how unrest in the Middle East affects the diarchy.  New police reform law; skepticism as to its effects; Pearl Ensign trial delayed; Navalny proposes anti-United Russia election strategy.  Two top regional officials resign. ID cards; Voina off art prize shortlist; Sochi Mascots The Russian foreign ministry has […]

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TV Appearance Offer Fails to Woo Opposition

By Citizen M | Published: February 25, 2011

Few and far between are the opportunities for opposition politicians to have a platform on Russia’s state-tun television (or Russia’s state-run streets, it would seem).  Nonetheless, Channel One’s Vladimir Pozner has apparently committed to previously mentioned plans to invite Solidarity co-leader Boris Nemtsov to his talkshow in March, and claims he would consider inviting liberal […]

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RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – Feb 25, 2011

By Citizen M | Published:

TODAY: Russia rejects idea of Libya sanctions; Putin cautions EU against Western meddling; 7 sacked from interior ministry; Domodedovo death counts rise to 37.  Russia embarks upon major military spending program; Mistral warships to go to Kuril islands?  Judge Viktor Danilkin denies whistleblower’s claims; Nemtsov lined up for TV appearance; new film on murdered journalist; […]

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Interview with a Russian Legal Crusader

By Citizen M | Published: February 24, 2011

Kudos to the Guardian for its lengthy interview with graft-fighting lawyer Alexei Navalny, who has made it his solo mission to uncover corruption within some of Russia’s largest companies, an objective with redoubtable consequences.  The indefatigable blogger has taken on the likes of tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, energy industry giants Transneft and Rosneft, and bank VTB.  […]

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RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – Feb 24, 2011

By Citizen M | Published:

TODAY: Whistleblower Alexei Navalny’s determination revealed in Guardian interview; activists take a stand on torture in prison; Left Front leader released.  Russians evacuated from violence-hit Tripoli; Sergei Lavrov warns against putting pressure on North African states; Defenders of Fatherland Day marked by small nationalist rally; Medvedev flexing his muscles with FSB firing?  Glonass launch delayed; […]

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RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – Feb 23, 2011

By Citizen M | Published: February 23, 2011

TODAY: Medvedev predicts long-term struggles in Arab states; denies possibility that similar fate could befall Russia; advocates freedom of Internet.  Russian citizens on trial in Belarus; rights ombudsman says awareness of civil liberties is increasing among Russians; photos of Kirill’s alleged palace; Voina to take case to Strasbourg‘These states are not simple and it is […]

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