Really enjoyed having the opportunity to see and converse with the members of @pyssyrriot this morning organized by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism. Maria Alekhina @MashaAlekhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova Nadya Tolokno @tolokno were critical with their own experiences of trial, jail time and current stardom found in the West, engaged with the problems of Russia and the US (corruption, penitentiary system), and demanding of the audience, eager to find better solutions for problems facing Russia and the world. In the years to come they can become a very effective voice in sustaining a conversation as well as for bringing constructive solutions to governance issues that suppress human freedom and dignity not only in Russia and the former Soviet space, but beyond. This new political activism on their part is a result of the changed political system in Russia (growing authoritarianism), but also, I suppose, of their maturity as activists. Their new media initiative MediaZona zona.media/ ( for now in Russian, but there are plans for an Enlish version as well) is a great addition to the dwindling amount of critical media in Russia and aims to focus on providing objective information on judicial, penitentiary and law enforcement practices in Russia in hope of engaging ordinary citizens into the debate and push for change. In this way they hope to change the nature of civil society and social apathy in Russia. This is a very commendable endeavor and I am inspired to see that despite all, a new human rights NGO has been established in Russia, Kudos!!!
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:16:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015