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Subscribe to RSSMOSCOW-- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev announced on his Facebook page Sunday that he has ordered a probe into the allegations of electoral fraud during the country's Dec. 4 parliamentary vote.
Medvedev's post generated over 2,200 mostly angry comments within one hour. "Shame!" and "We don't believe you!" were the most common.
Other Facebook users asked Medvedev whether he really disagrees with the protest's main slogan, "We're for fair elections." Some wrote that Medvedev's message made them even more determined to take part in the next planned rally against electoral fraud — on Dec. 24.
Tens of thousands of Russians rallied in Moscow and other cities on Saturday in the largest anti-government protest in the nation's post-Soviet history to protest alleged fraud in the parliamentary election and to demand the departure of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
Medvedev on Sunday broke two days of silence by posting a comment on his Facebook page.
"I disagree with the slogans as well as with the speeches that were made at the rallies," he said, but added that he gave instruction for a check of the reports of fraud. He did not mention who would carry out the probe.
Neither Medvedev nor Putin has made any public appearances over the weekend, although Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said in a statement that the government "respects the point of view of the protesters" and is "hearing what is being said."
Unlike Putin, the tech-savvy Medvedev, Russia's president since 2008, has enjoyed some support among an educated urban elite. But an announcement in September that he will step aside to let his mentor Putin run for a third term as president has angered many Medvedev supporters.
Earlier on Sunday, several hundred nationalists rallied in downtown Moscow, demanding a bigger say for ethnic Russians in the country's politics and marking the first anniversary of a violent nationalist riot just outside the Kremlin.
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He wants to know why they didn't stuff the ballots enough to keep the 2/3rds majority.
Anyone who actually believes that Medvedev will oversee a real investigation of the fraud is either completely naive or just stupid. Medvedev was one of the engineers of the fraud, how can anyone with a brain expect him to take any real actions to expose it. He has cut a deal with Putin and nothing is going to be allowed to interfere with that deal going through.
Of course he does. It is the only card he can play.
Medvedev doing that is like having the weasel guard the hen house!
I look at history and this sure looks like Putin is following Hitler's play book. I must admit that I am very happy the Obama administration has spoken up.
What really is missing is the out cry from Europe. Do they really not remember the 1930s, or have they become so addicted to Russian oil that like the Americans, they dare not criticize their pushers?
Russian elections, fraud, and ballot stuffing go hand in hand. It's been the norm since the Bolsheviks came to power. I'm sure any "investigation" will be on the up and up and the guilty party(ies) will be brought to justice. HAHAHAHAHA. I crack myself up.
...Why wouldn't they want Putin? I mean other than his killing off journalists and others (at home and abroad) with Polonium (just so everybody gets the message...)
I empathize with the Russians. I remember how I felt in 2000. Welcome to corporate democracy.
If they are going to believe what this Medvedev said he is doing..I have a new invention to make Vodka at 25 cent per gallon for sale!
The Russian government has to appoint an independent commission, if they can find one, to conduct the investigation.
Older brother Fox has asked youger brother Fox to be seen inspecting the chicken coop and later tell the farmer all is well
East of Eden
Sounds like a lot of chicken sh_t to me...
There is no such thing as an "independent commission" in the Russian government. If you believe otherwise, I got a bridge to sell you in San Francisco, real cheap and it comes with income producing tolls on either end. I can draw up a contract in 5 minutes. Cash deal though.
Yes, I'm sure this will be conducted fairly and accurately :/
Election fraud in Russia? I am shocked, SHOCKED! (Here is your new government ministry, Mr. Medvedev.)
funny there used to be 3 pages of posts, and now poof they disappeared. how sad msn
Anyone who believes this clown should be immediately sent to a mental asylum without psychiatric evaluation. Remember folks, communism isn't dead. It is just dormant!!!