To avoid arrest, Nalvany supporters protested on Valentine’s day by posting photos on social media with the hashtag #LoveIsStrongerThanFear.
Russia articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Russia. Russia is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, "limited political competition, assassination, and repression are used by dictator Vladimir Putin to maintain control". Also see our articles on Putin or on two of his public opponents Alexei Navalny and the punk band Pussy Riot.
Will Alexei Navalny Make Russia More Democratic?
Alexei Navalny has become a towering figure in Russian opposition politics. But after years of Putin’s despotism will he make Russia more democratic?
Chechnya Release Salekh Magamadov and Ismail Isayev
With the help of Russia, security services in Chechnya are holding two members of the LGBT+ community in total arbitrariness.
Russia Authorities Target Journalists in Protest Crackdown
A court sentenced Sergei Smirnov, editor-in-chief of “Mediazona” news, to 25 days in detention for violation of public assembly rules.
Is Russia distorting GPS signals to protect Vladimir Putin?
For years Russia jammed satellite systems in the Black Sea. Recent events suggests this may have been to conceal the so-called “Putin’s Palace”.
Russia: Social Media Pressured to Censor Posts
Russia under Putin continues to chart an authoritarian path. In a new twist, authorities are pressuring social media to censor posts.
Elon Musk’s Starlink Service Poses a Threat to Dictatorships
Satellite turns the tables because the government doesn’t control space and has a much harder time regulating content.
Russia Police Double Down on Arrests During Mass Protest
Russian police forcibly and at times brutally dispersed peaceful protests, arbitrarily detaining more than 5,000 people.
Russian Activist Shevchenko Spends 2 Years Under House Arrest
Human Rights Watch writes that January 23 marks two years of a strict system of house arrest for Russian activist Anastasiya Shevchenko.
Mass Protests Swell Across Russia
Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets in protest to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny.