Recommended Reading
Kremlin Slims Down Nashi Youth Movement
The Nashi (Ours) youth movement, a nationalist and pro-Kremlin organization, is cutting back on its operations, and closing many of its offices. Experts believe the Kremlin simply has no further urgent need of the frequently violent, militaristic youth army.
Jan 30, 2008 | Continued
A Question for the US Primary Candidates From Garry Kasparov
As Russia nears its own election on March 2nd, Garry Kasparov, the co-Chair of The Other Russia coalition, poses a question for the US presidential primary debates.
Jan 29, 2008 | Continued
Leading Russian Candidate Won’t Take Part in Televised Debates
Dmitri Medvedev, the widely favored contender for the Russian presidency, has refused to participate in televised debates with other candidates.
Jan 29, 2008 | Continued
Kasyanov Candidacy Rejected By Russian Electoral Commission
Russia’s Central Electoral Commission has refused to register Mikhail Kasyanov as a presidential candidate. Kasyanov, an independent contender, has forsworn the rejection as politically-motivated, and has called on supporters to boycott the election.
Jan 28, 2008 | Continued
Special Forces Violently Disperse Rally in Ingushetia
A demonstration against corruption and human rights abuses has been violently shut down by law enforcement in Nazran. Protesters responded with stones and Molotov cocktails. Two building have been burned and at least one person has been injured.
Jan 27, 2008 | Continued
Russian Opposition Discusses New Partnership
Russia’s liberal opposition may join together and form a new democratic movement. The new group plans to represent the mutual goals of all participants, and not party principles.
Jan 27, 2008 | Continued
Russian NGO to Monitor US Democracy
A new think-tank aimed at improving Russia’s image abroad and tracking human rights is set to open in New York and Paris. In the words of its founder, the organization will “study the Western socio-political system and offer recommendations for its improvement.”
Jan 26, 2008 | Continued
Russian City Detains Opposition Activists Before Presidential Visit
Ahead of a visit by Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev, militsiya officers in the city of Penza arrested activists from a number of opposition parties and groups.
Jan 24, 2008 | Continued
Jailed Executive Dying in Prison
Vasily Aleksanyan, a former vice president of what was Russia’s largest oil company, is wasting away in jail. Officials have denied Aleksanyan medical treatment, and have allegedly attempted to blackmail him in exchange for hospital care.
Jan 23, 2008 | Continued
Last Opposition Candidate Pressured to Step Down in Russia
Russia’s Central Electoral Commission will likely disqualify Mikhail Kasyanov, the last remaining Presidential candidate from the liberal opposition. Aggressive means are being used to investigate Kasyanov’s qualifying signatures, and prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against the candidate.
Jan 23, 2008 | Continued