As is well known, in Russia, which is becoming increasingly authoritarian, seemingly innocent critical speech now threatens many years of torturous prison sentences. Nevertheless, countless courageous people took to the streets on Sunday for the ‘Lunch against Putin’ protest. It’s a cry for help. Because the Russians feel abandoned and hope for more support from outside.
“I was invited to participate in the campaign [Alexej] Navalny and other opposition figures mobilized. It was a way to spend time with good people. And it’s the only thing that made sense in this election, the results of which were completely rigged. There were tears of pride and joy – despite all the circumstances, people came. “Everyone looked around: there were so many of us,” a Moscow man described to the media in exile as “Meduza.”
At exactly 12 noon on Sunday, Russians gathered in front of the polling stations for the opposition meeting ‘Lunch against Putin’. Kremlin propagandists tried to find excuses. Some claimed there were constant queues, while others cleverly claimed the move showed respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin. But what really happened? “Meduza” has collected exciting insights.
No hope for change
“I’m so tired of constantly looking around and thinking, God forbid, I can’t say anything wrong; At protests I shake with anger and fear, mixed with self-loathing, because I do not go to demonstrate for fear of my life,” admits Sofia from Moscow.
“It is clear that this will not change anything,” Nika said matter-of-factly from Moscow. But she has to do something. “It was important to see people like me. People who are not happy with war and murder, who are not offended by the whole world and who do not adhere to an abstract ideology that is not at all viable in the 21st century.’ She needed at least a little bit of freedom not to do that. being driven crazy .
Many people do not want war
“I wanted to show that there are many of us and that we are not afraid. We will fight for peaceful skies and a free Russia. We will follow in the footsteps of Russian hero Alexei Navalny,” said Wita from Moscow Oblast. She wants to live in a democratic country that does not attack neighboring countries, where all sections of the population are taken care of and economic development is promoted. “Where you can express your opinion. And that my children can also live in a country like this.”
All age groups were represented
At 11.50 am there were already quite a few people present. “They stormed in at exactly twelve o’clock. All age groups were represented: mothers with children, men [mittleren Alters], students and retirees,” Wita reported. She wore a headband with yellow ducks in her hair. For us Austrians, this may not be worth mentioning. However, yellow reminds many Russians of the Ukrainian flag, or in Moscow they no longer like anything that stands out from the crowd.
“A police officer immediately started filming me. Then he came to me and asked for my passport. …. He followed me to the voting booth and then followed me across the floors, asking where I was going and what I was planning to do. He said the exit was here.’ After leaving the building, he continued to follow the woman. “He filmed me constantly. I showed him hearts into the camera – what could I have done differently? I met wonderful people and felt unity and hope. Love is stronger than fear. “I’ll save the headband with the ducks for later – it turns out to be an important accessory,” Wita concluded with a wink.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
