Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in Russian prison on what are seen internationally as trumped-up charges to silence his criticism of President Vladimir Putin.
Navalny is an exceptionally brave man, and is paying the price for speaking up. The fact that this man is still alive tells of the power he holds over Putin, which is the support of a non-trivial amount of the Russian people. My most sincere hope is that his sacrifice is not in vain, and we keep these stories in the public eye.
Counter-theory: he’s needed. Other user said as an example, I’d say as a symbol, to castrate the weak opposition they have, as they aren’t ready to move on and pick someone else for he’s still there. His former allies made a cargo cult out of his martyrdom, chanting freedom to him as their main message, while it’s impossible and rather pointless. He’s there to attract attention, that’s why information from him and about him leaks from what is basically a solitary confinement. He’s a carrot before the donkey’s nose. And this non-trivial amount, and also the world care too much about this involuntary token figure. I don’t think he is a plant, but a useful hostage he is. And I think he understands that.
I think Putin needs a straw man right now so that he can use as a punching bag for the elections.
And what better one then the opposition you have locked away in your basement.
I don’t think this will save Putin’s reputation, but I understand the strategy.
In his way of saying “Who will you vote for? This man that faints in my dungeons?! Or me, the one who will send you all to die at the Ukrainian front for questioning me?”
I don’t think the people of Russia will give an honest answer. But I think that is the point. Because mathematicians are standing by just waiting to analyze last years approval ratings with this years.
Because even if you can rig an election, how much you can rig an election is very different.
I imagine those numbers are going to tell a story of Putin’s disapproval across Russia.
Navalny is an exceptionally brave man, and is paying the price for speaking up. The fact that this man is still alive tells of the power he holds over Putin, which is the support of a non-trivial amount of the Russian people. My most sincere hope is that his sacrifice is not in vain, and we keep these stories in the public eye.
This man is literally giving his life and sacrificing himself in the hopes of creating a better Russia. It’s incredibly brave.
He’s still alive because Putin wants him alive.
He’s a warning, not a beacon.
Counter-theory: he’s needed. Other user said as an example, I’d say as a symbol, to castrate the weak opposition they have, as they aren’t ready to move on and pick someone else for he’s still there. His former allies made a cargo cult out of his martyrdom, chanting freedom to him as their main message, while it’s impossible and rather pointless. He’s there to attract attention, that’s why information from him and about him leaks from what is basically a solitary confinement. He’s a carrot before the donkey’s nose. And this non-trivial amount, and also the world care too much about this involuntary token figure. I don’t think he is a plant, but a useful hostage he is. And I think he understands that.
burn out too. eventually those radicalized youth have kids and burdens, they aren’t able to be as radical or vocal
I think Putin needs a straw man right now so that he can use as a punching bag for the elections.
And what better one then the opposition you have locked away in your basement.
I don’t think this will save Putin’s reputation, but I understand the strategy.
In his way of saying “Who will you vote for? This man that faints in my dungeons?! Or me, the one who will send you all to die at the Ukrainian front for questioning me?”
I don’t think the people of Russia will give an honest answer. But I think that is the point. Because mathematicians are standing by just waiting to analyze last years approval ratings with this years.
Because even if you can rig an election, how much you can rig an election is very different.
I imagine those numbers are going to tell a story of Putin’s disapproval across Russia.