E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSTens of thousands of Russians are protesting alleged voter fraud after parliamentary elections, and President Vladimir Putin is their main target. NBC's Stephanie Gosk reports.
MOSCOW - If Vladimir Putin is to face a Russian rebellion, its spiritual leader may be a 35-year-old blogger named Alexei Navalny.
Alexey Sazonov / AFP - Getty Images
Alexei Navalny takes part in an opposition rally in central Moscow on Dec. 5.
At Saturday's protests, the biggest of Putin's 12-year rule, some of the loudest cheers were for the anti-corruption campaigner, who has warned Russia's paramount leader he could face an Arab Spring-style revolt.
Though he was absent from the rallies, sitting in jail since a protest last week against vote-rigging in the December 4 parliamentary election, Navalny is in the vanguard of a mood change among Russia's urban youth against Putin's rule.
"You cannot beat up and arrest hundreds of thousands or millions," Navalny said in a statement from jail that was read out to demonstrators on Saturday. "We are not cattle or slaves.
"We have a voice and we have the strength to defend it."
The message, issued while he serves out a 15-day sentence for obstructing police during a demonstration, was also posted on his blog.
Navalny represents a new, Internet-savvy generation and is seen as a potential threat to Putin, even though the prime minister and former KGB spy runs a tightly controlled political system that he has crafted since his rise to power in 1999.
Asked about his own ambitions during an interview with Reuters in May, Navalny winced but his blue eyes twinkled: "I would like to be president," he said.
"But there are no elections in Russia."
With a courage that some would say borders on folly, Navalny dismissed the dangers of challenging Putin: "That's the difference between me and you: you are afraid and I am not afraid," he said.
"I realize there is danger, but why should I be afraid?"
He has no political party but Navalny has become possibly Russia's most popular political blogger by using his computer keyboard to illustrate the absurdities of a corrupt bureaucracy.
Yet his character and politics are also more complex - some might call them contradictory - than admiring Western liberals might expect of a Yale-educated lawyer who has taken to buying small stakes in some of Russia's biggest companies in order to demand greater transparency for shareholders, and the public.
While his time in the United States on a fellowship at Yale has forced him into denying accusations from Putin supporters that he is a CIA plant, his hostile views on Muslim and Asian migration into Russia's Slavic heartland have also seen him obliged to rebuff suggestions that he has "fascist" tendencies.
An outspoken Russian nationalist, he was expelled from a liberal opposition party and promises to crack down on immigration from Central Asia and the Caucasus.
His role, never fully explained, in a brawl, and alleged air pistol shooting, in 2007, adds to an edgy air of mystery around the tall, lean attorney who sets off chiseled Slavic cheekbones and piercing blue eyes with a marked taste for argyle-pattern sweaters and jeans.
Read more content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
- Pakistan says U.S. drones in its air space will be shot down
- Some see Twin Towers blast in architect's design
- Giant Eurobank accused of gouging US consumers
- Security goes private as US military leaves Iraq
- Mugabe still thunders at foes, but can he really rule forever?
- Iraq still likely to be prime customer for US arms
Leave a Comment:
"You cannot beat up and arrest hundreds of thousands or millions," Navalny said in a statement from jail that was read out to demonstrators on Saturday. "We are not cattle or slaves.
A motto we should adopt in this current USA Oligarchy?
^ What are you talking about my friend?! No one is getting beat up or arrested in the United States, save for a very small amount of people. When the occupiers or other protesters are at it for an extended period of time, face-to-face with police, sure tensions and egos will rise and some will get tased/pepper-sprayed/arrested, that's the nature of protests. However some of the police actions are legal--i.e., as when protesters are trespassing or violating some other property law.
What are you trying to say with your comment? This isn't and never will by Libya or even Egypt--no one is getting shot or beat up on our streets simply because they're protesting.
And what's with the Oligarchy remark? Of course that's what our country is. Power always rests with the few, though I admit it is closer to 99/1 than it should be. FYI this nation was never owned/controlled/run etc. by the people. Ever. No nation or empire ever was, or can be, simply due to human nature and political and economic laws. In the most extreme example of Socialism, which was Soviet Communism, it was more like .1% vs 99.9% which held total power over the country even though on paper it was all the "peoples."
Describe to me what exactly it is you're complaining about, and your proposed solution. I'm at my computer all day today, It'd be fun to have a little debate on here and maybe let others in to our views.
Thanks,
C
Chuckhale - Don't confuse him - All most on here are capable of doing is posting idiotic talking points and one liners with absolutely no ability to give any examples or back up their comments. You are simply asking too much. To ask them to actually propose what should be done to fix their perceived wrongs is way beyond most of their abilities since they do not have a clue how things really work in this world.
Navalny is a Russian hero, as he sits in jail for speaking out against this crooked election I find myself feeling grateful to be an American; at least we still have freedom of speech in this country. Of course if the Republican Party was in total control here we wouldn’t have it for very long.
Hope he doesn't croak during those 15 days in jail. Putin could still have some Polonium left.
As much as the MSM doesn't want to admit it, the Arab Spring arrived in the states this fall. This is a world wide movement against tyranny in all forms- political, economic, social.
Here in the states we have the same conditions, they just do a better job of keeping us sedated. They give us pharmaceuticals and fast food and alcohol. We think we have freedom of speech but every time we speak out it is noted. Journalists who speak out are put on no-fly lists along with their children and elderly mothers. Citizens who speak out are beaten and pepper sprayed regardless of who they are. We are given the illusion of the vote but as seen in 2000 it can be rigged. Recently the 4th Amendment of our Constitution is threatened to be eradicated by the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act, or S. 1867. You won't find info on that on any cable news website, nor on the major networks. It was been conveniently omitted so to not inform the public.
Seriously, if you think we still have a democracy, the last shreds of it will disappear in the coming years. Many won't realize until its too late, but you'll know when you are being carted off "for your own safety".
When a society says it's OK to beat up or arrest a small amount of people sets a precedent that leads to beating up an arresting larger and larger amounts of people.
This "free" country already incarcerates the largest percentage of its population. That number will grow and grow without real change in our government, local to federal, and real change in how we look at one another.
This is acceptable? That some of their actions are legal? Then why aren't they arresting each other? They're arresting the protesters because some of their actions were illegal.
Oligarchy - a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and
selfish purposes. Sounds like Wall Street, Banks, Koch Boys, Corporate America, and the Repugs & Teabaggers, they are trying supress votes, only care about the wealthiest in this country, media control, in Mich. they have managers who are taking over cities if they don't like what they are doing, they can fire anyone including elected officials. Tell me this isn't about control.
Wake up America!!!
Go Navalny!
Go Army..ny? no? ok bad joke....
Laura,
What do you want, a democrat (socialist) party run government that nationalizes all business and corporations? Venezuela is nice this time of year. You are being too simplistic and you only complain without providing a solution or the start of one. Plus you are blaming all our ills on one side of the political aisle because they disagree with your political views. Both parties having playing their political games to not offend their party, political allies, and to benefit their positions and that of their political party . If you think the dems are looking out for your best interests more than the repubs do for their constituents, you are either naive or purposely being ignorant. It's been what about half a century since both parties in the Senate and Congress actually worked together for the betterment of the citizens of this country. You think the reps are the only ones getting corporate and lobby donations? Take the blinders off and do your research. The guys on Wall St and in those corporate positions likely got into those positions legally. The crooks in office now have gotten to where they because they were able fool enough voters to put them there. In both parties sister. Why do you think all of these bills have all this back room language in them? The problem is we have too many of these guys that want to be career politicians (yes the buzz phrase from the debate). The 2 party system has been broken for too long now and it's hurting everyone. It's sad that both sides have certain viable solutions to issues that affect our citizens, but won't compromise. Instead their faces are turning blue while holding their breath so one party gets to claim as their own idea, just like a bunch of spoiled brats. In truth, until new ways of thinking are introduced into the current political climate we stand to repeat this mess over and over. In other words, get out and vote. Don't just vote for someone just because a poll says he/she will win in a landslide or because your friends are. Read voting material beyond that what the dems or repubs want to sell you. For the record I hate both the dems and the repubs.
These posts on the vine give me hope. People are finally waking up to the Truth.
Never met a Russian I trusted.
Oh, they're all the same. why don't you just say they all look alike, racist jerk.
Exactly what race are you talking about Eugene?
Anti-corruption, anti-radical Islam, not former KGB, studied in the US, good grass roots organizer. . . He might be a chance for decent leadership, sounds better than Putin or Medvedev.
They all do until they get the first taste of power.
this should be interesting
Wouldn't want to be running the Russian Spring. Russian Spring -> Siberian Summer?
In Russia, Blogs write you!
CHEERS to the young man..this is how FREEDOM starts!
Putin could make Assad look like St. Nick. If the Russian people decide on a revolution they better be prepared to bleed.
I give him an "A" for effort, but the "I would like to be president" part worries me. I am weary of anyone claiming to be a savior, and even more so of those that have ambitions of power too.
Man, this guy is as good as dead.
http://home.comcast.net/~fotoszop/ks/Smolensk%20Crash%20Status%20Report.pdf
From the above article:
"You cannot beat up and arrest hundreds of thousands or millions," Navalny said in a statement from jail that was read out to demonstrators on Saturday. "We are not cattle or slaves.
Now,
3 or 4 yrs ago there was a radio interview with one of Russia's Diplomats or Politician.
On that interview he clearly stated that if he was either living in the US, or was involved in US Politics, he definitely would be a Republican politician, or vote for Republican candidates, since their ideology , ( Republican) aligned with his, and many of his countryman.
To him, the US Republican party shared ideals and goals in line with the political party in power in Russia at the time (Putin's party off course ).
I'm sorry but I cannot remember his Title or name, however his statement of being a republican here in the US really got imprinted in my memory
So, Do we need to say more?
There's a difference between the conservative values the Republican Party claims to represent, versus the current doings of it.
Whenever you quote something, you need to consider the full context of it, as well as changes in opinion over time. Considering that quote was in 2006, you need to come closer to the present. People change.
Russia is full of children. Whoever becomes the leader has the curse of absolute power. I foresee cancer in this guy's future.
Have you read some of the drivel posted on the Newsvine? You could say the same thing about us Americans.
Before you make blanket statements, consider the broader context. Jesus.
We have no idea what this guy's politics are, but it doesn't really matter. He's probably to hot to touch right now, but inside of a year I think he will be dead.
I would like to believe that he really values democracy, unfortunately his competition does not.
The FBI and DEA fabricate evidence, steal from suspects and use murder to close bad cases.
My dog was poisoned to death, a stolen car was run into the front of my house, gang members are harrassing me, I get death threats, BB guns are being shot at my car when I drive, my car is being tampered with, money and jewelry has been stolen out of my house and these corrupt DOD employees are using torture as a punishment.
With very long term harassment the FBI and DEA are intentionally creating their own terrorists and criminals when evidence of any supposed crime does not support their investigation/harassment of a suspect.
Typical D.O.J. Investigation except they have been harassing me for 20 years.
Off your meds again, eh?
The FBI and DEA fabricate evidence, steal from suspects and use murder to close bad cases.
My dog was poisoned to death, a stolen car was run into the front of my house, gang members are harrassing me, I get death threats, BB guns are being shot at my car when I drive, my car is being tampered with, money and jewelry has been stolen out of my house and these corrupt DOD employees are using torture as a punishment.
With very long term harassment the FBI and DEA are intentionally creating their own terrorists and criminals when evidence of any supposed crime does not support their investigation/harassment of a suspect.
Typical D.O.J. Investigation except they have been harassing me for 20 years.
Off your meds again, eh?
I know. Just look at what happened to Edgar Steele. He was even an attorney but his high profile wasn't enough to save him from the corrupt F.B.I. and C.I.A. The guy that set the actual bomb to his wife's car is set to be free soon. But the "Evil white racist" is seen as the bigger threat. What the hell is wrong with our corrupt government. This nonsense can hurt their families as well as ours.
Drat. Just when I thought Russia was finally recovering from it's horrible Stalin like days. If anyone could bring Russia back. It is Putin. I sure hope the country doesn't collapse into something as horrible as a democracy.
Russia has many “great” leaders raise from simple beginnings
and obscurity; Lenin, Stalin. Maybe it type for Nava-lny.
Putin it's time for you to go, to he** that is. Your anti-American persona, pro- Iranian stance, suck, sucks to the world and sucks to fellow Russians. Like they say and you can take this to the bank, absolute power, corrupts absolutely. Putin is a wolf in sheep's clothing. False and rigged election tactics, you call yourself a man Putin, I say you're a rat that should live in the sewer. Revolt Russian people, stand up for your human rights. Stop being pawns in a Czar form of government. The U.S. supports your efforts, maybe a few drowns flown over the Kremlin would be nice..........Shogun
FALSE and rigged elections?? Hmmmm.. 40,000 were elimianted from the FL voting lists in fl 2000. A later check found that most were mistaken and were not felons at all. But they WERE almost ALL BLACK and probable DEM voters. VERY funny stuff went on in Ohio 2004 too. Seems the chances that the exit polls were be so different from the vote totals were MINISCULE!
REVOLT, Americans!! Take your country back from the 1% who do nothing but steal from the 99% They even wanna privatize SS and Medicare to the benefit of the coeporate and moneyed elite-- at the expense of the poor, the elderly and children.
We're not so different after all. All we want is fairness. There has been a HUGE transfer of wealth UPWARDS!!! THAT is NOT fair!
You don't deserve fairness Tom
The day that base closed should have been the day our President announced an end to our economic support to Pakistan. It wasn't because we don't have a President...all we have is a little boy playing at being a president.
bfitz
Your bias is showing. It was the GWB admin that developed the current tete-a-tete with Pervez! Pak has been a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-do-dnot ally. There were many of us who called for strengthening relationships with India and S Korea then, and letting go of Pak. Right now, due to certain vested interests, the ties with Pak can not be summarily severed. This is what you call dancing with the devil
I would admire him more, if every Russian I ever met [or dated] was not exactly the same. He certainly has alot of courage, but if that is all it took, the Russian would have all been free in 1490. On the surface, he sounds like he's calling for freedom, but maybe his own myopic ideological lens is just as bad as Putin's, he's just not as powerful. He can discriminate against the Uzbeks with all of your support, but not mine.
NO.
Russia is still RULED by the Military.
China and russia will unify to attack USA eventually.
BigAl Las Vegas said:
Navalny is a Russian hero, as he sits in jail for speaking out against this crooked election I find myself feeling grateful to be an American; at least we still have freedom of speech in this country. Of course if the Republican Party was in total control here we wouldn’t have it for very long.
True, especially if the Bush/Cheney regime had continued for another term.
If he doesn't watch his mouth, Navalny is setting himself up for an acute case of "accidental" lead poisoning or nasty fall down the stairs while in custody. Just like many of the Russian maximum leaders who came before him, Vladimir Putin don't play. And in Russia, the nail that sticks up gets hammered down.
I thought that was Ramzan Kadyrov
doh