Dissent In Russia
Dissent there is, but perhaps not for much longer, as the Kremlin moves to criminalize its critics, labelling their political malfeasance in raising objections to authoritarian rule as treason. Critics of the state are now to be considered fair game to be charged with treason, according to a new bill to be presented to the Duma. Which will exercise its collegiality with Dmitri Medvedev and Vladimir Putin by passing the bill into law.Law-abiding citizens of the country, then, need have no fear. Those who dare to criticize the country's "constitutional order" must needs now tremble in anticipation of their unhappy fate should they continue to constitute an irritation to the ruling elite. Above all, should they dare raise their voices to express opposition to Vladimir Putin's shedding of the prime ministership to once again take up his rightful office as president.
The bill is nicely over-arching, and seems to express the need of its authoritarian governing body to protect itself from criticism. Defining treason in its enlarged interpretation as "a deed aimed against security of the Russian Federation, including her constitutional order, sovereignty, territorial and state integrity". Got that? A reflection of the Kremlin's respect of its neighbours' sovereignty, territorial and state integrity.
Additionally, there is a growing worry of restiveness among the population, as Russia, much like countries the world over, wrestles with a growing financial crisis. Its oil and gas revenues, so recently enriching of the economy and productively enhancing the reputation and popularity of its ruling regime, now threatens, in its inconvenience collapse, to unsettle the country in grumbling complaints.
Now too, any Russians choosing to align themselves with the interests of foreigners may be seen as guilty of treason for "rendering financial or material and technical or consultative support" to foreigners. Watch out, all those enterprising international conglomerates who have chosen to invest in that great country, believing that material confiscation will no longer take place as it has in the recent past.
Lest anyone be in doubt as to the seriousness of this turn of events and the return to the country of a stern resolve to arm itself well, Andrei Lugovoy, sly murderer of dissident Alexander Litvinenko, claims that anyone whom the state considers to be a traitor is fair game for assassination. For means and methods they need but consult with him.
Labels: Political Realities, Traditions, World News
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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