Pussy Riot Verdict & Kasparov Arrest: How You Can Help

The disgraceful two-year prison sentence given to three members of the punk band Pussy Riot and the unlawful arrest and beating of opposition leader Garry Kasparov has brought renewed international attention to the corrupt, lawless nature of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Given Putin’s blatant disregard for civil and human rights as demonstrated by a number of recent laws he’s put his pen to, many people have come forward and asked how they can help support the activists, political prisoners, and opposition politicians suffering as a result. As part of the global fight for human rights and individual liberty, it is vital for the international community to refuse to give Russia a pass for its gross violations in these areas. Here are some ways you can help:

Tell your government to support “Magnitsky” legislation

Sergei Magnitsky was a lawyer who was killed in a Moscow pre-trial detention facility after uncovering a $230 million fraud scheme involving members of the Russian government, police, tax service, and mafia. None of the people who played a role in his death have been prosecuted. In response, politicians in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other European countries have introduced legislation that would ban the Russians involved from entering their countries and, in some cases, freeze their assets. Such measures would send a concrete message to Russia that its failure to prosecute these individuals is not acceptable by international standards. Contact your government representative and tell them that failing to support this legislation would be to ignore Russia’s flagrant abuse of human rights, civil rights, and the rule of law.

In the United States: http://www.senate.gov/reference/common/faq/How_to_contact_senators.htm
In Canada: http://www.canada.gc.ca/directories-repertoires/direct-eng.html
In the United Kingdom: http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/government-and-opposition1/her-majestys-government/

Donate to the Foundation for Democracy in Russia

The Foundation for Democracy in Russia (FDR) is Garry Kasparov’s non-profit organization supporting civil rights and democratic freedom in Russia. One of the most important initiatives that the foundation funds is a legal defense fund for political prisoners. You can donate to FDR by clicking here.