Latest news with #AlexeyNavalny
Novaya Gazeta Europe
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
Picking your battles. Novaya Europe analysed almost 40,000 protests to see how Russia's war in Ukraine has changed civil society — Novaya Gazeta Europe
Three's a crowd The Russian constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets. In practice, street protests are prohibited. No wonder, then, that their number has declined sharply in the past three years. But other, safer ways — petitions, legal appeals, video messages — are gaining in popularity. The authorities usually find a far-fetched reason to stop protests going ahead, such as a rally risking the spread of the coronavirus, according to OVD-Info. Yet people continue to take to the streets to solve non-political issues in the areas of housing and utilities, urban development and the environment. Petitions and appeals to the authorities are a safe alternative to street protests. 'Although petitions aren't direct action, they are currently the most readily available tool of pressure,' a former local councillor and teacher explains. 'Of course, people would make a greater statement if they came out onto the streets. But that's fairly unrealistic now.' One expert calls this 'petitioning the tsar'. People complaining to the authorities means they recognise their legitimacy. A member of PS Lab, an autonomous research group focusing on politics and society in Russia and post-Soviet regions, says that in autocracies, appeals and petitions remain one of the few legal and relatively safe ways for people to fight for their rights. 'Ultra-patriots' and communists Before the war, Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) was the main instigator of protests in the country. The movement unleashed the largest protest of the 2010s. In January 2021, Russia declared the foundation extremist, meaning it was banned from taking part in elections or protests, and three years later Navalny died in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle. Over the past three years, political parties and other movements have only organised 15% of protests. Mainstream political forces cannot now criticise Putin or the war, though parties such as the Communist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party can still speak out on local problems such as housing, utilities, education, healthcare and urban planning. Ultra-patriotic sentiments are also much more noticeable in the regions. They form 6% of all protests. Their main mouthpiece is the National Liberation Movement (NLM), whose members petition for 'emergency powers for Putin' or to 'annul Gorbachev's decisions'. They protest in support of the war and against 'foreign agents'. They hand out their newspaper The National Course and call for nuclear weapons to be aimed at the US. In some cities, such as Irkutsk, NLM activists protest every week and are never detained. But the vast majority of protests are organised and carried out by local people. Over the past three years, political parties and other movements have only organised 15% of protests.
CNN
17-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
5 things to know for April 16: Town halls, Deportation, Pennsylvania fire, Autism, Drones
Four Russian journalists were sentenced in a Moscow court on Tuesday to more than five years in a penal colony after they were accused of working for The Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organization that was established by late Kremlin critic and opposition leader Alexey Navalny, Russian state media TASS reported. The foundation is prohibited under Russia's 'foreign agents law,' which Amnesty International has described as 'repressive.' Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. Get '5 Things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Republicans faced frustrated constituents at town hall meetings on Tuesday, with voters expressing concerns about tariffs, Social Security and DOGE's cuts to funding and the federal workforce. In Iowa, Sen. Chuck Grassley was repeatedly urged to push back against the executive branch but his lukewarm responses drew groans from the crowd. In Georgia, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked the questions she didn't like and the constituents who submitted the queries, calling them 'brainwashed.' Three attendees were arrested at her event, and in two instances, stun guns were used. Democrats are also facing anger from voters, mostly about not fighting hard enough against President Donald Trump and the Republicans. Rep. Sarah Elfreth was called 'milquetoast' during a town hall in Maryland earlier this week, and when Rep. Laura Friedman of California was asked about the Democratic Party's plan to resist, participants didn't care for her answer. The federal judge overseeing the case of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador says there's no evidence that the Trump administration is working to 'facilitate' his release. The US mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia last month, even though an immigration judge barred his deportation years ago. The administration has repeatedly admitted in court that Abrego Garcia was deported due to 'an administrative error' and yet he remains incarcerated in the notorious CECOT mega-prison. 'It is a fact now of this record that every day Mr. Garcia is detained in CECOT is a day of irreparable harm,' US District Judge Paula Xinis said in a tense hearing on Tuesday. She has called for an expedited fact-finding effort to determine whether the administration is complying with her court orders. A search warrant obtained by news site PennLive reportedly said that the man accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor's residence last weekend revealed his motives to 911 operators. Although CNN has not viewed the warrant, it was acknowledged by a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts. Cory Balmer allegedly told 911 operators he targeted Gov. Josh Shapiro in part because of his views on Israel's war in Gaza. In the days before the arson attack, however, relatives of the 38-year-old auto mechanic reached out to police and mental health agencies asking for help. They said Balmer's mental condition had dramatically deteriorated to the point where he was chewing on batteries and acting erratically — but were told he didn't meet the standards for involuntary commitment and that there was nothing they could do. Balmer was charged on Monday with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes. A new report from the CDC offers some clarity about autism in America. On Tuesday, the CDC reported that the autism diagnosis rate had increased among US children. About 1 in every 31 was diagnosed with autism by the age of 8 in 2022 — up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Although the Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new research effort to identify the cause of what HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described as 'the autism epidemic,' the new CDC report says that better diagnostic practices explain many of the recent findings. The Autism Society of America also refuted the idea that rising autism prevalence signals an epidemic and said the data should not drive misinformation or political rhetoric. 'It is likely you know or love someone with autism, and we need credible, science-based research to better understand autism, its contributing factors and the diversity of needs across the spectrum,' Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society said. Do you remember those mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey late last year, the ones that caused panic, conspiracy theories and demands for government action? Well, the FAA has just announced that it plans to spend two weeks testing systems to detect drones. The testing is slated to take place over Cape May, New Jersey, and will involve launching about 100 drones of various sizes. But don't worry! 'The FAA is doing this to ensure we can properly detect drones in our airspace and make sure they don't interfere with airplane navigation systems,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The agency plans to conduct additional testing in New Mexico, North Dakota and Mississippi later this year. From boho-chic to bird claws: See what celebs wore at CoachellaWhile many stars dressed down in an effort to mingle with the crowd, some A-listers chose to wear more dramatic duds in the desert. Check out the head-turning looks here. 'God's architect' may become a saintThe Vatican has placed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed Barcelona's Sagrada Família, on the path to sainthood. Pope Francis recognized Gaudí's 'heroic virtues' this week and now the search begins to find two miracles to attribute to him. Harriet Dart regrets hot mic commentsThe British tennis player issued an apology on Instagram after her comments to a chair umpire about her opponent's body odor were picked up by a microphone. Dart ended up losing 6-0, 6-3 to French player Lois Boisson in the first round of the Rouen Open on Tuesday. But Black Widow wants to flyWhile filming Marvel's upcoming movie, 'Thunderbolts*,' actress Florence Pugh insisted on being allowed to perform one particular stunt: jumping off the second-tallest building in the world. Apparently, it took some convincing due to 'crazy insurance' issues. Bryce Harper has a little one on the wayHow do we know? The Philadelphia Phillies star revealed the gender of his fourth child in a unique way during his team's game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Famed game show host Wink Martindale dies at 91The radio and TV entertainer was best known for hosting shows including 'Tic-Tac-Dough' and 'Gambit.' Martindale was also among the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. $20 millionThat's about how much the owner of a Los Angeles jewelry store estimates was the value of merchandise stolen by burglars in a brazen heist last weekend. 'You've got to ask yourself, why is this happening? Why are these guys taking aim at Social Security now? They want to wreck it so they can rob it.' — Former President Joe Biden on why Republicans are changing policies and firing thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration. Check your local forecast here>>> Federal agents smash undocumented man's car windowAfter being pulled over in Massachusetts, an undocumented man told agents his attorney was on the way. They smashed his window with a hammer.
Al Jazeera
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Russia jails journalists for alleged ties to Navalny
NewsFeed Russia jails journalists for alleged ties to Navalny Four Russian journalists have been sentenced to over 5 years in prison for alleged ties to late opposition leader Alexey Navalny. All four reject the charges and supporters say they are being punished simply for doing their jobs.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 things to know for April 16: Town halls, Deportation, Pennsylvania fire, Autism, Drones
Four Russian journalists were sentenced in a Moscow court on Tuesday to more than five years in a penal colony after they were accused of working for The Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organization that was established by late Kremlin critic and opposition leader Alexey Navalny, Russian state media TASS reported. The foundation is prohibited under Russia's 'foreign agents law,' which Amnesty International has described as 'repressive.' Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. Republicans faced frustrated constituents at town hall meetings on Tuesday, with voters expressing concerns about tariffs, Social Security and DOGE's cuts to funding and the federal workforce. In Iowa, Sen. Chuck Grassley was repeatedly urged to push back against the executive branch but his lukewarm responses drew groans from the crowd. In Georgia, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked the questions she didn't like and the constituents who submitted the queries, calling them 'brainwashed.' Three attendees were arrested at her event, and in two instances, stun guns were used. Democrats are also facing anger from voters, mostly about not fighting hard enough against President Donald Trump and the Republicans. Rep. Sarah Elfreth was called 'milquetoast' during a town hall in Maryland earlier this week, and when Rep. Laura Friedman of California was asked about the Democratic Party's plan to resist, participants didn't care for her answer. The federal judge overseeing the case of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador says there's no evidence that the Trump administration is working to 'facilitate' his release. The US mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia last month, even though an immigration judge barred his deportation years ago. The administration has repeatedly admitted in court that Abrego Garcia was deported due to 'an administrative error' and yet he remains incarcerated in the notorious CECOT mega-prison. 'It is a fact now of this record that every day Mr. Garcia is detained in CECOT is a day of irreparable harm,' US District Judge Paula Xinis said in a tense hearing on Tuesday. She has called for an expedited fact-finding effort to determine whether the administration is complying with her court orders. A search warrant obtained by news site PennLive reportedly said that the man accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor's residence last weekend revealed his motives to 911 operators. Although CNN has not viewed the warrant, it was acknowledged by a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts. Cory Balmer allegedly told 911 operators he targeted Gov. Josh Shapiro in part because of his views on Israel's war in Gaza. In the days before the arson attack, however, relatives of the 38-year-old auto mechanic reached out to police and mental health agencies asking for help. They said Balmer's mental condition had dramatically deteriorated to the point where he was chewing on batteries and acting erratically — but were told he didn't meet the standards for involuntary commitment and that there was nothing they could do. Balmer was charged on Monday with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes. A new report from the CDC offers some clarity about autism in America. On Tuesday, the CDC reported that the autism diagnosis rate had increased among US children. About 1 in every 31 was diagnosed with autism by the age of 8 in 2022 — up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Although the Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new research effort to identify the cause of what HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described as 'the autism epidemic,' the new CDC report says that better diagnostic practices explain many of the recent findings. The Autism Society of America also refuted the idea that rising autism prevalence signals an epidemic and said the data should not drive misinformation or political rhetoric. 'It is likely you know or love someone with autism, and we need credible, science-based research to better understand autism, its contributing factors and the diversity of needs across the spectrum,' Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society said. Do you remember those mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey late last year, the ones that caused panic, conspiracy theories and demands for government action? Well, the FAA has just announced that it plans to spend two weeks testing systems to detect drones. The testing is slated to take place over Cape May, New Jersey, and will involve launching about 100 drones of various sizes. But don't worry! 'The FAA is doing this to ensure we can properly detect drones in our airspace and make sure they don't interfere with airplane navigation systems,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The agency plans to conduct additional testing in New Mexico, North Dakota and Mississippi later this year. From boho-chic to bird claws: See what celebs wore at CoachellaWhile many stars dressed down in an effort to mingle with the crowd, some A-listers chose to wear more dramatic duds in the desert. Check out the head-turning looks here. 'God's architect' may become a saintThe Vatican has placed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed Barcelona's Sagrada Família, on the path to sainthood. Pope Francis recognized Gaudí's 'heroic virtues' this week and now the search begins to find two miracles to attribute to him. Harriet Dart regrets hot mic commentsThe British tennis player issued an apology on Instagram after her comments to a chair umpire about her opponent's body odor were picked up by a microphone. Dart ended up losing 6-0, 6-3 to French player Lois Boisson in the first round of the Rouen Open on Tuesday. But Black Widow wants to flyWhile filming Marvel's upcoming movie, 'Thunderbolts*,' actress Florence Pugh insisted on being allowed to perform one particular stunt: jumping off the second-tallest building in the world. Apparently, it took some convincing due to 'crazy insurance' issues. Bryce Harper has a little one on the wayHow do we know? The Philadelphia Phillies star revealed the gender of his fourth child in a unique way during his team's game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Famed game show host Wink Martindale dies at 91The radio and TV entertainer was best known fo r hosting shows including 'Tic-Tac-Dough' and 'Gambit.' Martindale was also among the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. $20 millionThat's about how much the owner of a Los Angeles jewelry store estimates was the value of merchandise stolen by burglars in a brazen heist last weekend. 'You've got to ask yourself, why is this happening? Why are these guys taking aim at Social Security now? They want to wreck it so they can rob it.' — Former President Joe Biden on why Republicans are changing policies and firing thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration. Check your local forecast here>>> Federal agents smash undocumented man's car windowAfter being pulled over in Massachusetts, an undocumented man told agents his attorney was on the way. They smashed his window with a hammer.
CNN
16-04-2025
- Politics
- CNN
5 things to know for April 16: Town halls, Deportation, Pennsylvania fire, Autism, Drones
Four Russian journalists were sentenced in a Moscow court on Tuesday to more than five years in a penal colony after they were accused of working for The Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organization that was established by late Kremlin critic and opposition leader Alexey Navalny, Russian state media TASS reported. The foundation is prohibited under Russia's 'foreign agents law,' which Amnesty International has described as 'repressive.' Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. Get '5 Things' in your inbox If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Republicans faced frustrated constituents at town hall meetings on Tuesday, with voters expressing concerns about tariffs, Social Security and DOGE's cuts to funding and the federal workforce. In Iowa, Sen. Chuck Grassley was repeatedly urged to push back against the executive branch but his lukewarm responses drew groans from the crowd. In Georgia, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked the questions she didn't like and the constituents who submitted the queries, calling them 'brainwashed.' Three attendees were arrested at her event, and in two instances, stun guns were used. Democrats are also facing anger from voters, mostly about not fighting hard enough against President Donald Trump and the Republicans. Rep. Sarah Elfreth was called 'milquetoast' during a town hall in Maryland earlier this week, and when Rep. Laura Friedman of California was asked about the Democratic Party's plan to resist, participants didn't care for her answer. The federal judge overseeing the case of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador says there's no evidence that the Trump administration is working to 'facilitate' his release. The US mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia last month, even though an immigration judge barred his deportation years ago. The administration has repeatedly admitted in court that Abrego Garcia was deported due to 'an administrative error' and yet he remains incarcerated in the notorious CECOT mega-prison. 'It is a fact now of this record that every day Mr. Garcia is detained in CECOT is a day of irreparable harm,' US District Judge Paula Xinis said in a tense hearing on Tuesday. She has called for an expedited fact-finding effort to determine whether the administration is complying with her court orders. A search warrant obtained by news site PennLive reportedly said that the man accused of setting fire to the Pennsylvania governor's residence last weekend revealed his motives to 911 operators. Although CNN has not viewed the warrant, it was acknowledged by a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Courts. Cory Balmer allegedly told 911 operators he targeted Gov. Josh Shapiro in part because of his views on Israel's war in Gaza. In the days before the arson attack, however, relatives of the 38-year-old auto mechanic reached out to police and mental health agencies asking for help. They said Balmer's mental condition had dramatically deteriorated to the point where he was chewing on batteries and acting erratically — but were told he didn't meet the standards for involuntary commitment and that there was nothing they could do. Balmer was charged on Monday with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes. A new report from the CDC offers some clarity about autism in America. On Tuesday, the CDC reported that the autism diagnosis rate had increased among US children. About 1 in every 31 was diagnosed with autism by the age of 8 in 2022 — up from 1 in 36 in 2020. Although the Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a new research effort to identify the cause of what HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described as 'the autism epidemic,' the new CDC report says that better diagnostic practices explain many of the recent findings. The Autism Society of America also refuted the idea that rising autism prevalence signals an epidemic and said the data should not drive misinformation or political rhetoric. 'It is likely you know or love someone with autism, and we need credible, science-based research to better understand autism, its contributing factors and the diversity of needs across the spectrum,' Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society said. Do you remember those mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey late last year, the ones that caused panic, conspiracy theories and demands for government action? Well, the FAA has just announced that it plans to spend two weeks testing systems to detect drones. The testing is slated to take place over Cape May, New Jersey, and will involve launching about 100 drones of various sizes. But don't worry! 'The FAA is doing this to ensure we can properly detect drones in our airspace and make sure they don't interfere with airplane navigation systems,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The agency plans to conduct additional testing in New Mexico, North Dakota and Mississippi later this year. From boho-chic to bird claws: See what celebs wore at CoachellaWhile many stars dressed down in an effort to mingle with the crowd, some A-listers chose to wear more dramatic duds in the desert. Check out the head-turning looks here. 'God's architect' may become a saintThe Vatican has placed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed Barcelona's Sagrada Família, on the path to sainthood. Pope Francis recognized Gaudí's 'heroic virtues' this week and now the search begins to find two miracles to attribute to him. Harriet Dart regrets hot mic commentsThe British tennis player issued an apology on Instagram after her comments to a chair umpire about her opponent's body odor were picked up by a microphone. Dart ended up losing 6-0, 6-3 to French player Lois Boisson in the first round of the Rouen Open on Tuesday. But Black Widow wants to flyWhile filming Marvel's upcoming movie, 'Thunderbolts*,' actress Florence Pugh insisted on being allowed to perform one particular stunt: jumping off the second-tallest building in the world. Apparently, it took some convincing due to 'crazy insurance' issues. Bryce Harper has a little one on the wayHow do we know? The Philadelphia Phillies star revealed the gender of his fourth child in a unique way during his team's game against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Famed game show host Wink Martindale dies at 91The radio and TV entertainer was best known for hosting shows including 'Tic-Tac-Dough' and 'Gambit.' Martindale was also among the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame. $20 millionThat's about how much the owner of a Los Angeles jewelry store estimates was the value of merchandise stolen by burglars in a brazen heist last weekend. 'You've got to ask yourself, why is this happening? Why are these guys taking aim at Social Security now? They want to wreck it so they can rob it.' — Former President Joe Biden on why Republicans are changing policies and firing thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration. Check your local forecast here>>> Federal agents smash undocumented man's car windowAfter being pulled over in Massachusetts, an undocumented man told agents his attorney was on the way. They smashed his window with a hammer.
