Recommended Reading
Mandatory Military Service for Young Russian Clergy
A new ordinance requires Russia’s religious leaders to serve in the military.
Feb 19, 2008 | Continued
Army Hazing Victim Dies in Moscow
Roman Rudakov, a private who suffered serious injuries as result of hazing in the Russian army, has died in Moscow after over a year of hospitalization. Rudakov’s case is far from isolated, and the incident demonstrates the horrors of conscription into the Russian military. Details from Yezhednevny Zhurnal.
Feb 18, 2008 | Continued
United Russia Youth Movement Will Be Reorganized
The “Young Guard”, the youth wing of the United Russia party, will be reorganized in the near future. This makes the group the second pro-Kremlin youth group to be restructured in the past month.
Feb 16, 2008 | Continued
Kasparov Sues Nashi Youth Movement
On Friday, Garry Kasparov filed a civil suit against the Nashi pro-Kremlin youth group. Some of the group’s literature had described him as “a citizen of the United States,” and said that the goals of the Russian opposition were “to ransack Russia’s national wealth for the interests of the USA.”
Feb 16, 2008 | Continued
Russian Parliament Moves to Regulate Internet Sites
Lawmakers in the State Duma proposed new rules that would put strict regulations on websites with over 1000 daily visitors. Critics called the move an affront to free speech.
Feb 14, 2008 | Continued
Russian Region Discovers “Emo” Subculture
The Department of Education of the Nizhny-Novgorod oblast has started a campaign to combat the “emo” subculture, which they claim leads to teen suicide.
Feb 13, 2008 | Continued
Russian University Closed Over Electoral Monitoring Course
A top Russian University has been shut by Russian authorities for claims that its buildings pose a “fire risk”. University staff believe the real reason for its closure is an electoral monitoring program offered at the school.
Feb 12, 2008 | Continued
Putin Missed A Chance to Stay President – Uzbek Leader
Islam Karimov, the president of Uzbekistan, gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a bit of advice for how to stay in office. Unfortunately for Putin, it may be too late to exploit the legal loophole he suggested.
Feb 11, 2008 | Continued
International Journalist Group Asks Microsoft to Help Independent Media in Russia
Amid a rising tide of government lawsuits targeting media groups in Russia, the International Federation of Journalists called on Microsoft Corporation to donate software to Russia’s poorest independent media outlets. News media critical of the government are being targeted for using unlicensed software.
Feb 10, 2008 | Continued
Kremlin Tightening Grip on Business
As president Vladimir Putin prepares to step down in March, his administration leaves a legacy of re-nationalizing private companies, and appointing close associates to run the newly formed state corporations.
Feb 9, 2008 | Continued