A Russian human rights group claims that the government detained more than 13,000 protesters during the first two weeks after the start of the war.
“Sometimes, police officers will take your phone and take your stuff. You have nothing.” Eva Ivanova said that sometimes they beat people. The 18-year old was one of approximately 1,500 protestors in St. Petersburg two weeks ago. Hundreds were taken into custody. Ivanova claimed she was detained at a station for 28 hours and then ordered to sign a confession of guilt.
David Pogue, her correspondent, said that she had told her, “I don’t sign it, because I don’t believe I’m guilty.” They got wild. They tried to scare us with “Yeah, 20 Years in Jail!”
The worst part was not the best: “They can change your mind.” You start to doubt what they say. It’s possible that they are correct. I have seen people get hurt.
Dmitri Gudkov served as a Russian Parliament Member from 2011 to 2016. He publicly opposed Vladimir Putin’s government. He stated that it was very dangerous to go out on the streets. “If you take part in the protest the first time, you could be sent to prison for up to 15 days. The second time, you will get 30 days. Third time, it will become a criminal case and you can spend five years in prison.
Gudkov and his family fled the country after receiving threats.
Gudkov stated that Putin decided to eliminate all his opponents, including all politicians in Parliament, as he believed he was planning an invasion in Ukraine.
“Can a protest be effective under these conditions?” Pogue asked.
He replied, “It cannot achieve anything by the protest; that’s impossible.” It is still extremely risky and not efficient.
Eva Ivanova is aware that protesting will not stop the war. However, that is not the reason she does it.
She said that protests cannot stop a “special military operation” and used the legally required euphemism of the government to describe the war. But I believe that this is how we can demonstrate our solidarity and respect for the Ukrainian people. I also want people from other nations to understand that our government does not represent us. Russian people are not Russian government.”
Pogue asked: “Are you more afraid to do another demonstration now?”
She replied, “Yes, I can get into big trouble, but that doesn’t stop my,” You have to keep going because you know it’s right. People must be supported. It is important to be clear about your position.
“Are there any concerns about putting your face forward on TV?”
“A little. “A little bit. But I want people see that I am a good person, have faith and have a voice.
“Are your unusual, brave, and courageous? Are there many people who are like you?
“I don’t believe I’m an exceptional girl. Ivanova said, “No, I’m just, I just, I am a girl.” “I’m certain that there are many people like me in Russia. “I can see it.