LexisNexis Global

Along with resurgence in the popularity of Soviet symbolism in Russia is a corresponding suppression of free speech and human rights. As we recently pointed out in Does Russia Get a Free Pass on Human Rights in Chechnya? (Sept. 28, 2009), a thugocracy is murdering human rights activists, attorneys, and journalists as if the KGB were controlling the state (or at least its successor). That Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is a former KGB agent is no coincidence.

Elections are being rigged Soviet-style to ensure that Putin’s United Russian Party and the Communist Party shares control of the government. From refusing to recognize independent candidates to having voters cast multiple votes, those in power are ensuring that the opposition cannot have a voice in the political system.

Free speech is threatened when the Soviet Union is portrayed in a bad light. For example, a Moscow kebab house decided to brand itself as the “Anti-Soviet” because of its geographic location directly across from the Soviet Hotel. The owners were threatened by former communist party leaders and Soviet military veterans until they changed the café’s name.

Journalist and former Soviet dissident Alexander Podrabinek criticized those defending the Soviet Union in the kebab house matter. Thugs from the United Russia Party, organized as a gang calling itself “Nashi” (“Our”) picketed Podrabinek’s home and demanded he apologize or leave Russia for good. When the Kremlin’s human rights ombudswoman criticized the Nashi gang’s actions, the United Russia party immediately criticized her. In the ensuing heated debate, Nashi supporters expanded their attacks to include anti-Semitic remarks and innuendos.

Under these circumstances of murder, mayhem, threats, and gang violence, neither the rule of law nor human rights will be able to flourish. The United States and the European Union should apply diplomatic and economic pressure to force Putin into protecting free speech, individual human rights, the rule of law, and the voting franchise. 

Soviet Symbols And Local Elections In Russia, The Economist (Oct. 17, 2009).