Published on Jan 31, 2013
Human Rights Watch releases 2012 annual report, warning of the steady decline in human rights in Russia after President Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency.Full story:
A representative from Human Rights Watch said on Thursday that 2012 was the worst year for human rights in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia Division Deputy Director Rachel Denber spoke with journalists in Moscow.
She says Russia’s human rights last year was the worst she could remember in her 20 years of work in the former Soviet Union.
[Rachel Denber, Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia Division]:
“After the return of Vladimir Putin to the Kremlin, and I would say even before then, not only was the cautious progress towards liberalization of the ‘Medvedev-era’ liquidated, but in these months, authoritarianism in Russia reached a level unseen in this country’s recent history. The foundation of this authoritarian turn was a package of laws adopted by the State Duma. I don’t think it’s necessary to describe them in detail now, but I will just list them: this is restrictions on the freedom of assembly, restrictions on Internet content, the return of criminal liability for slander—which had been cancelled by Medvedev in the previous months—and this, of course includes the law about so-called foreign agents.”Last summer, shortly after Putin was sworn into office, Russia passed a series of laws branding many rights and campaign groups as “foreign agents”.
It’s a move opponents say was an attempt to stifle protests against Vladimir Putin.
Denber says the decline in Russia’s human rights situation has been steadily worsening.
[Rachel Denber, Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia Division]:
“For a decade since the so-called ‘colour revolutions’, the Russian authorities have been attempting to marginalize, demonize, and discredit opposition politicians, human rights activists, civil society organizations, and the political opposition.”Human rights organizations are voicing the rights issues against the fact that Russia is set to hold the Winter Olympics in February 2014.
[Rachel Denber, Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia Division]:
“Soon, in almost one year, the Olympics will take place in Russia, in Sochi, and I want to say that this is, of course, a very joyful occasion. But I want to say that the attack on civil society and this excessive suspicion towards foreigners is simply not compatible with the role of Russia as an Olympic Games host country. This, in my opinion, contradicts the Olympic spirit.”Human Rights Watch says they have noted abuses such as expropriation of property, linked to Russia’s preparations for the 2014 Olympic Games.
Other issues raised include the harassment of Kremlin critics and human rights activists, and the Russian legislation banning so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’.
Also raised were the failures of the Russian Ministry of Health and Social Development to meet World Health Organization standards.
How hard is Moscow in a wheelchair?
Celebrities and Prime Time joined people with disabilities for a special stroll around Moscow’s city centre to find out how wheelchair-friendly it is.
Moscow Out: Poetry and Literature
On RT’s cultural program this week, Martyn Andrews and his crew go in search of venues and locations connected with the impressive list of Russian poets and authors. Libraries, mansions, house museums, restaurants, monuments and book clubs — it’s easy to see the large impact legends such as Pushkin and Tolstoy have had on Russian cultural society. So hardbacks and paperbacks in hand, join our tour to get a textual blast into the literary past!
Russian troops fed dog food, claims whistleblower
Russian troops were fed dog food earlier this year to save money, it is being claimed.
Labels reading “premium quality beef” covered up the real canine-destined contents, according to video footage shot by a whistleblower.
Ex-Major Igor Matveyev says he was dismissed after posting a video on the Internet alleging widespread corruption in the Interior Ministry forces.
From Russia With Hate
http://current.com/e/84906361/en_US
Current’s Christof Putzel investigates a growing movement in Russia where neo-Nazi groups are brutally attacking immigrants and spreading their hate by posting violent videos online.
Penis graffiti wins innovation award in Russia
Giant phallus graffiti by Russian ‘art terrorists’ – innovation or vandalism?
Russia’s art world’s been plunged into controversy, after an award for innovation went to a giant piece of graffiti that many viewed as obscene. Nevertheless it bagged the radical art group ‘Voina’ the 15,000 dollar prize after they daubed the work on a draw bridge opposite the Federal Security Service in St Petersburg. And while most people were angered at the action, others say it’s the message – not the form – that matters.
Siberian Micro-Art
Russian artist Vladmir Aniskin makes amazing artwork…that’s only visible under a microscope.
Mini Guns That Fire Real Bullets
Meet Andrei Batashev, a Russian who specializes in miniature guns that fire real bullets.
“A gun enthusiast, Andrei’s hobby has now become his means of making a living… and can count Fidel Castro and Vladimir Putin among his clients.”
Andrei: “My weapons (mini-pistols) are not meant for injuring or killing people. They are a sort of work of art.”
