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June 2020: Seventh Studio on trial, scientists accused of treason, Alexey Pichugin, Jehovah’s Witnesses

Details: 01 July 2020; Diana Fishman

June was the most abundant month so far in terms of cases of political persecution and human rights violations in Russia. On June 26, the verdict was announced in the high-profile case of the Seventh Studio, whose defendants received suspended sentences and heavy fines. The persecution of Russian scientists accused of high treason continued, as well as a large-scale campaign against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Russia’s longest-serving political prisoner Alexey Pichugin was denied pardon for the third time.

Details: Opinions

Evgeny Dobrenko: “The WWII victory cult is meant to legitimize the regime” (Part II)

Details: 01 July 2020; Olga Khvostunova

Philologist, cultural historian, professor of the University of Sheffield Evgeny Dobrenko spoke with IMR’s Olga Khvostunova about the era of late Stalinism, the becoming of the Soviet nation, and its key traits that are still preserved in Russia today. The interview is published in two parts. The second installment discusses the differences and similarities between Stalin and Putin, the WWII victory cult, and the possibility of a new Russian revolution.

Details: Opinions

Evgeny Dobrenko: “The Soviet nation’s mental matrix is still seen today” (Part I)

Details: 29 June 2020; Olga Khvostunova

Philologist, cultural historian, professor of the University of Sheffield Evgeny Dobrenko spoke with IMR’s Olga Khvostunova about the era of late Stalinism, the becoming of the Soviet nation, and its key traits that are still preserved in Russia today. The interview is published in two parts. The first installment discusses how Stalin became the “father” of the new nation, why 70 percent of Russians favorably view his role in history, and how Putin invokes Stalin’s narratives.

Details: Analysis

New Russian Identity Makes Way into the Constitution

Details: 26 June 2020; Dmitry Shlapentokh

June 25 marked the first day of the constitutional plebiscite in Russia, which will last until July 1. Apart from the keenly discussed amendments to the Russian constitution that will allow Vladimir Putin to stay in power until at least 2036, a less noticed, but still crucial change has been introduced—codifying the status of Russian as the language of a state-forming nation.

Details: Analysis

Why Putin Needs a “Nationwide Vote”

Details: 16 June 2020; Yana Gorokhovskaia

Before the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Russia, the Kremlin was planning to hold a referendum on constitutional reforms that would allow Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036. The vote will now take place in late June. The move signals that Putin remains invested in the legitimacy of popular approval, and the best possible outcome of the vote is likely to be produced now.

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