Recommended Reading
Russian Opposition Sums Up 2008
Members of the Russian political opposition rallied in Moscow on December 29th, summing up the major political events of 2008 in a vocal demonstration.
Dec 30, 2008 | Continued
Russians Unconvinced By TV Coverage of Economic Crisis
Russian state-run television has painted a rosy picture of the economic crisis, even as more ordinary Russians feel the effects of layoffs and uncertainty. Journalist Kirill Rogov writes that the propaganda approach is failing, and suggests that authorities “need to either put politics back on television or take it off the streets.”
Dec 27, 2008 | Continued
Russian Police Bracing For Demonstrations
Police in Russia are worried that the economic crisis may lead to widespread public disturbances and crime, and national guard troops are being sent into towns hit hardest by sweeping layoffs.
Dec 26, 2008 | Continued
Russian Opposition Websites Shut Down By Attacks
Several Russian opposition news sites are back online after a series of distributed-denial of service (DDoS) attacks overwhelmed their servers.
Dec 25, 2008 | Continued
Russian Police Crack Down on Car-Lover Protests
A new import tariff on foreign cars has set off a chain of protests in Russia’s far east and across the country. Theotherrussia.org translates a statement on the demonstrations by the Solidarity opposition movement.
Dec 22, 2008 | Continued
Russia is Being Returned to Totalitarianism – Rights Activists
In a public appeal, a group of Russian human rights activists decries new legislation which would expand the definition of treason and espionage in Russia. The bill “returns the Russian justice system to the norms of the 1920-1950s,” they argue. Translation by theotherrussia.org.
Dec 19, 2008 | Continued
With an Economy in Crisis, Russian Media Keep Quiet
Even as indicators show that Russia is entering a severe economic downturn, state owned media and television have remained silent on the crisis.
Dec 17, 2008 | Continued
Industrial Production Falling Sharply in Russia
Russian industrial production, a strong indicator of economic health, fell 8.7 percent in November. If the slowdown continues at the same pace, Russia will face a greater economic downturn than the 1998 financial crisis. A public opinion poll, meanwhile, showed that Russians were increasingly dissatisfied with authorities.
Dec 17, 2008 | Continued
Demonstrators Speak Out in St. Petersburg
Around 1000 people demonstrated against the Kremlin in St. Petersburg, even as instigators tried to disrupt the event. 60 protestors were arrested around the city.
Dec 14, 2008 | Continued
Police Stifle Opposition March in Moscow
Moscow police and riot forces were out in full force Sunday, arresting anyone who showed up to take part in an opposition demonstration known as a March of Dissent.
Dec 14, 2008 | Continued