More than 100 people took part in a protest rally against the Russian president in Lisbon this Sunday, and amid criticism of Vladimir Putin, there have been many calls for the release of political prisoners.
Among the participants was Marat Gelman, an art collector and curator who in 2021 was considered a “foreign agent” by Moscow at the same time as Veronika Nikulshina of the music group Pussy Riot.
The activist, who is part of the Anti-War Committee created by exiled social activists in 2022, has joined a movement in Lisbon that wants a “Russia without Putin,” especially because “friends living in Russia” have no opportunity to “speak freely.”
“That’s why we speak on our behalf and for them,” the activist told Luse, adding that another goal of demonstrations like this Sunday’s is to make Europeans realize that “not all Russians are with Putin,” while emphasizing the need for the release of political prisoners and solidarity with Ukraine.
In an initiative organized by the Free Russians Association, Gelman also noted that it is “not a matter of faith” to characterize the upcoming elections in Russia: “I know for sure that these will not be elections, because there are no elections, simply because there are no free “media” “, nor any independent group.” “There will be no elections. It will be something… It will be a performance,” he concluded.
Holding a banner calling for the release of political prisoners, Anna Papina tells Lusa that she left Russia almost two years ago because Putin started the war “without asking anyone.”
“He didn’t ask us if we wanted this, so this is a war against Ukraine and his own people. Against the Russian people. I had to leave my country and it hurt so much. I left my children, my brother, my home. “, testifies the singing teacher, who wants Russia to be “free from terrorism, evil and politicians who only do what they want” and, despite the fact that she is “so small”, insisted on joining demonstrations.
Next to him is Belarusian Ravi Novikov, who shares the desire for “freedom from Putin,” noting that Putin “represents a danger to the whole world.” “Our role here is to remind everyone and ourselves of this danger,” he added.
About a year ago, in Portugal, with his family, “waiting for the situation in Russia to improve,” Alex also wanted to be present. “I came here to show other Russians that they should be against Putin and against his true power in Russia,” he said.
Lisbon and Porto were part of initiatives in at least 120 other cities in 40 countries promoted by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by Russian opponent Alexei Navalny.
As for the organization, Timofey emphasized the goal of “mobilizing people against Putin on the eve of the election farce.”
“Each of us who is here today must turn 10 more people against this fight,” he told Lusa, recalling that every Saturday there are demonstrations at the Russian embassy, and said that on election day, March 17, there will be “a significant demonstration.” will take place in the same place.
The official also recalled the “heroes” – political prisoners who in Russia “resist and fight” for the freedom of everyone.
Vladimir Putin has been in power since 2000 and is set to serve a fifth presidential term after also serving as prime minister between 2008 and 2012. According to local polls, Putin is expected to win the next presidential election.
The Russian opposition, whose leader Alexei Navalny is serving 30 years in prison in the Arctic, accuses the Kremlin (Russian presidency) of preparing election fraud through electronic voting, which a third of registered voters will have access to during three voting days. scheduled for March 15-17.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Tifany Hawkins, a professional journalist with years of experience in news reporting. I currently work for a prominent news website and write articles for 24NewsReporters as an author. My primary focus is on economy-related stories, though I am also experienced in several other areas of journalism.