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Mikhail Khodorkovsky Speaks in Oslo in Defense of Russia’s Political Prisoners

Details: 23 October 2014

On October 22, founder of the Open Russia movement Mikhail Khodorkovsky spoke at the 2014 Oslo Freedom Forum. His speech was dedicated to Russia’s political prisoners, in particular the “Bolotnaya Case” prisoners. The highlights of his speech are summarized by IMR.

Details: Opinions

Russian Schools: Feel the Difference

Details: 23 October 2014; Olga Melnikova

Education reform has brought much chaos to the complex Russian education system. Holdovers from Soviet schools are mingled with issues arising from politics and the reforms themselves. Moscow journalist and mother of two Olga Melnikova shares her experience of the problems facing modern Russian schools.

Details: Economics

Five Major Risks for Russia

Details: 20 October 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

In October 2014, the Russian economy set a number of negative records. The ruble’s exchange rate against the U.S. dollar for the first time exceeded 40 and reached 52 against the euro, which forced the Central Bank to spend several billion dollars on intervention. Political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya analyzes the key risks currently facing Russia’s economy.

Details: Politics

The Worse, the Better

Details: 10 October 2014; Tatiana Stanovaya

The sky-high public approval ratings of Vladimir Putin and his policies raise serious concerns about the future of the nonsystemic opposition in Russia. According to political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, the more the Kremlin tightens the screws, the more opportunities there might appear for the opposition to increase strength.

Details: Opinions

Sitting on Two Chairs

Details: 13 October 2014; Alexander Podrabinek

At the end of September, the Russian State Duma passed several amendments to the law “On Mass Media.” Starting in 2016, the share of foreign capital in any Russian media company cannot exceed 20 percent. According to writer Alexander Podrabinek, this limitation might have an effect opposite to that intended, putting Russia’s foreign interests abroad at risk.

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