Countless Russians have taken to the streets to protest the invasion of Ukraine – and have done so at great risk to their lives and livelihoods. Svetlana, an illustrator from St. Petersburg who asked not to be named, told DW she was “apprehensive” of the thousands of arrests of protesters over the past two weeks. In more peaceful times, she used to share photos in pastel colors and examples of her work on social media. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, it has shared deep political messages against a black background.
Svetlana is not a political activist per se. He once attended a rally in support of imprisoned Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. He said he had seen National Guard officers use brutal violence against detained protesters. He did not let experience prevent her from attending a recent anti-war rally.
“In Russia, we have no conventional idea for marches or mass demonstrations,” Svetlana said. The protests are more like mass persecutions, he said, with the protesters as prey. “You go out on the street and then spend all your time running around the city, escaping from the police,” Svetlana said. Here are some rules to avoid getting caught. One is that he is trying to stay in the center of a large crowd as protesters leading the way, as well as those in the back, are more likely to be arrested. He also tries to hide from the police in close allies and cafes.
Fines and imprisonment
Some 13,000 protesters have been detained in more than 140 cities since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, according to OVD-Info, an independent human rights media program aimed at fighting political persecution. There have been reports of excessive use of force by authorities against protesters – including the use of batons and stun guns. Anti-war activists were fined heavily and charged with serious offenses for taking to the streets. This includes people standing in public squares, alone, holding anti-war placards.
On March 4, the Duma passed a law outlawing the deliberate dissemination of “false information concerning the activities of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.” Authorities now have the final say in what constitutes fake news. Those found guilty of spreading misinformation face fines of up to 10,000 euros ($ 11,070) and prison sentences ranging from three to 15 years. Therefore, the recent marches in which activists shouted “no to war” could be described as actions aimed at discrediting Russian troops.
Sociologist Grigoriy Judin fears that Russia is turning from an authoritarian state into a totalitarian state – with further repressive measures in the works. He said the new misinformation law could be used to force anti-war protesters into exile.
He was hospitalized with a concussion after being beaten by police during an anti-war rally on February 24. Judin said Russian society was divided over the invasion of Ukraine. The thousands of anti-war protesters who have been arrested prove that many Russians actually reject the attack. However, he said, the marches do not create enough impetus to bring about change. The Russians, he said, have lost faith in their own political power after years of demonstrations that have led to nothing. In addition, he said, the latest wave of protests lacks proper organization and leaders.
“The Russians are afraid”
A Moscow-based civil rights activist who asked to be named Anastasia told DW she had taken part in several anti-war rallies, but was disappointed with the recent rally in Moscow’s Pushkin Square. “It was a disaster,” Anastasia said. “I have never seen such a weak protest in Moscow.” The frightened protesters quickly dispersed, were expelled or arrested by police, he said.
Anastasia does not accuse ordinary Russians of being afraid of the police. “Moscow has a strong security mechanism and the Russians are afraid of losing their jobs now that sanctions have been imposed,” he said. Many people have families and other responsibilities that prevent them from protesting in public, he added. “All Russians are deprived of basic political rights,” he said. “All Russians are vulnerable.” Anastasia, however, said that she had nothing to lose and that she continues to protest. “There are few like me,” he said.
What depresses Anastasia the most is the feeling that the whole world is now opposed to Russia. She is convinced that “sanctions, which punish ordinary people, will have no effect.” Anastasia also notes that from the outside it is difficult to understand why ordinary Russians feel so powerless in what he calls a “totalitarian” system. “Now, we are not even allowed to express our opposition to the war,” he said. However, he added that the current conflict is impossible for the Russian leadership: “This is the collapse of Putin’s kingdom, regardless of the price the people of the country have to pay.”
Anastasia said she could have secured a residence permit in another country and left, but wants to stay in Moscow.
Svetlana, from St. Petersburg, however, saves money to leave Russia for good. It was a difficult decision, but he finds it inevitable. “In Russia you are faced with the choice of either risking your own future,” Svetlana said, “or being called a coward by all those who continue to take to the streets.”
This article was originally written in German.
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