Russian Citizens Resist State Crackdown on War Dissidents

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, the Russian government intensifies its crackdown on citizens who voice opposition to the conflict. The state's heavy-handed approach has led to the imprisonment of around 260 individuals for their anti-war views, as reported by a Russian human rights organization.

Charges and Sentences

Authorities have been targeting dissenters like 70-year-old human rights activist Oleg Orlov, who was charged with "discrediting the army" for speaking out against the war. During his trial in Moscow, Orlov expressed concerns about the government's expanding control over various aspects of society, leading to a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Crackdown on Free Speech

Orlov's offense stemmed from an article he wrote in a French publication in 2022, criticizing Russia's descent into fascism and President Putin's actions in Ukraine. The government's crackdown extends beyond Orlov, with hundreds of individuals detained for expressing anti-war sentiments.

Repression and Fear

Following the invasion in February 2022, Putin signed a law imposing severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for sharing "false information." This has created a climate of fear where even peaceful acts of protest, such as displaying blank signs or referring to the conflict as a war, can lead to imprisonment.

Silencing Dissent

According to Darya Korolenko, a lawyer at OVD-Info, the government's goal is to silence all forms of opposition, regardless of age, gender, or family status. Individuals like Evgeniya Mayboroda and Nadezhda Buyanova have faced legal action for expressing anti-war views on social media or showing solidarity with Ukraine.

Legacy of Navalny

The crackdown coincides with the controversial death of Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, whose passing in custody raised suspicions of state involvement. The response to Navalny's death, including mass detentions at memorial events, underscores the government's intolerance towards dissent.

The Russian state's escalating repression of anti-war voices reflects a broader trend of curbing freedom of expression and punishing those who speak out against official narratives.

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By: kbalevic@businessinsider.com (Katie Balevic)
Title: Russian Citizens Resist State Crackdown on War Dissidents
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/russians-resisting-crackdown-war-dissidents-paying-2024-3
Published Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2024 20:21:43 +0000