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The Return of Stalinist “Justice”

Details: 06 October 2012; Vladimir Kara-Murza

The new amendments to the Russian Penal Code, which have already passed the first reading in the State Duma, significantly expand the definition of “high treason” and open the way for mass prosecutions of Kremlin opponents. According to IMR Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza, these changes could herald a return to “Stalinist” justice in Russia.

Details: Events

Moscow Protests Echo in Brooklyn

Details: 04 October 2012

On September 30th, the Institute of Modern Russia (IMR) and InterArt Gallery presented a multimedia program on the Russian protest movement at the Brooklyn Public Library. The event unfolded in three acts: the screening of an acclaimed documentary “Winter, Go Away!”, the showcasing of a photographic exhibition “Unfrozen Winter,” and a roundtable discussion with IMR president Pavel Khodorkovsky, journalist and historian Vladimir Kara-Murza, and editor of “Novaya Kozha” almanac Igor Satanovsky.

Details: Politics

October 20th and 21st : Russian Opposition Council Elections

Details: 03 October 2012

The Russian opposition movement has a long and difficult fight ahead of it. Every citizen who continues the fight for fair elections in Russia, and believes that the current parliament does not adequately, if at all, represent their interest, can now take action by giving power of representation to a candidate or group of candidates of his/her choice. The Institute of Modern Russia invites all Russian citizens to play an active role in the upcoming election by voting online, at the Regional Electoral Committee located at IMR's Manhattan office or in Washington DC.

Details: Politics

The Kremlin’s “Carrot” for the Opposition

Details: 01 October 2012

The ruling United Russia party has proposed appointing opposition members to the regional governments. Having failed to suppress the protest movement, it appears that the authorities have decided to offer “carrots” to some of its leaders. If history is any guide, this initiative is unlikely to affect the opposition – but it can destroy the reputations of the defectors.

Details: Politics

Three is Too Many: Russian Duma Roots out Dissenters

Details: 28 September 2012; Vladimir Kara-Murza

The protest sentiments manifested in recent months at mass rallies across Russia have reached the halls of the State Duma which had long ceased to be a “place for discussion.” Just three opposition lawmakers – Gennady Gudkov, Dimitri Gudkov, and Ilya Ponomarev – restored the half-forgotten atmosphere of parliamentary debates to the Duma chamber. The authorities, not surprisingly, are not tolerating this situation: Gudkov Sr. has already been expelled from parliament, while Ponomarev has been deprived of the right to speak (so far, for one month). IMR Advisor Vladimir Kara-Murza discusses the prospects for dissent in the Russian legislature.

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