Free Russia Foundation

On September 13, 2024, a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This document, titled “Situation of Human Rights in the Russian Federation,” was discussed at the Human Rights Council's 57th session in Geneva, Switzerland. The Human Rights Council is the principal United Nations intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The report was authored by Mariana Katzarova, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. As an independent expert appointed by the Human Rights Council, Katzarova's mandate is to monitor, report on, and advise on the human rights situation in Russia. In compiling this report, Ms. Katzarova faced significant challenges due to the Russian government's refusal to cooperate with her mandate. Despite repeated requests, she has not been granted access to Russia, which would have allowed for direct dialogue with government officials and other stakeholders. Consequently, the report relies on information gathered from a diverse range of sources both inside and outside Russia, including non-governmental organizations, human rights activists, political dissidents, journalists, and victims of human rights violations, along with their legal representatives. ➡️Overview The report by Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova details the alarming deterioration of human rights in the Russian Federation as of September 2024. Following the March 2024 presidential election, which allowed Vladimir Putin to remain in power until at least 2030, the government has intensified its efforts to control all aspects of public and private life. This document provides a detailed analysis of systematic violations and increasing repression against dissenters, covering various aspects including restrictive legislation, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the treatment of journalists and cultural figures. 🔗You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dExWrhjE And here are some takeaways from the report👇🏻

On September 17, 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, with participation from Free Russia Foundation and the National Endowment for Democracy, hosted an event dedicated to Russian political prisoners. The gathering took place six months after a similar event that called for the release of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a vocal Putin critic, sentenced to 25 years in a maximum security prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. This time, Mr. Kara-Murza himself, now Vice President of Free Russia Foundation, was present. The bipartisan event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Russia. Both Republicans and Democrats welcomed Vladimir and his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, while emphasizing that hundreds of political prisoners are still being held behind bars in Russia. Senators and representatives from both parties united to celebrate Kara-Murza's freedom while renewing their commitment to those still imprisoned. They highlighted the urgent need for continued advocacy and international pressure to secure the release of all political detainees in Russia. Keynote speakers included Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and human rights advocate; Evgenia Kara-Murza, Activist and Spouse of Vladimir Kara-Murza; Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi); Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois); Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire); Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island); Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware); Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee); Representative Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts); James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Damon Wilson, President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy; and Natalia Arno, President, Free Russia Foundation. Vladimir Kara-Murza used this platform to amplify the voices of those still incarcerated. He stressed the importance of global solidarity in the face of Putin's regime, noting how crucial support from the free world is to those unjustly detained, and highlighted the critical role that defeating Putin's regime plays in transforming the country. This is what Mr. Kara-Murza and other keynote speakers had to say👇🏻

🇱🇹On September 21, 2024, Ilya Yashin, a prominent Russian opposition politician and activist, held a public meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania. This event marked the beginning of his European tour, organized by Free Russia Foundation. Mr. Yashin, who was released in August 2024 as part of a major prisoner exchange after serving about 2.5 years of an 8.5-year sentence for criticizing Russia's actions in Ukraine, took the opportunity to share insights from his conversations with Russians and emphasize the need for a better future for the country.

Ilya Yashin, a prominent Russian opposition politician and activist, recently gave an interview to “BILD in Russian”, a project launched by major German media outlet BILD to engage Russian-speaking audiences with news and interviews in their native language. Mr. Yashin, known for his outspoken criticism of Vladimir Putin's regime, was recently released from a Russian prison as part of a significant prisoner exchange. In this interview, he discusses the impact of Putin's leadership on Russian society, the potential for civil conflict, and the importance of accountability for war crimes. His insights offer a particular perspective on the challenges facing Russia and the opposition movement. Below are key excerpts from the interview. 🗣️Putin's Accountability for Navalny's Death Vladimir Putin killed Alexei Navalny. Mr. Putin ordered Navalny's assassination. As long as Mr. Putin remains Russia's president, there will not be any investigation or accountability for those responsible. 🗣️Unity in Opposition Goals Opposition-minded people sometimes get caught up fighting each other, losing sight of our common goal. We aim to dismantle the Putin regime, end the war, and transform Russia into a sustainable democracy. It is crucial we keep this in mind. 🗣️Threat of Civil Conflict in Russia There is a whiff of civil war in the air. You can smell it by scrolling pro-war Telegram channels, where their primitive Russophobia is for everyone to see. The Z-community's [Editor's Note: a pro-war group in Russia associated with the use of the letter “Z” as a symbol, which has become a pro-war emblem in Russia] hatred for anti-war Russians is off the charts. This is creating a severe divide in Russian society. While it is not physical yet, it is undoubtedly the first step toward civil war. 🗣️Polarization of Russian Society One of Putin's gravest crimes against Russia is polarizing its society. He has armed one part of it and created a rift within the population. This could lead to internal conflict pretty soon. 🗣️Recognizing Domestic Activism in Russia I believe those who stay in Russia and still try to speak the truth and shape public opinion are doing vital work. We should not underestimate their efforts. 🗣️Selective Lustration in Post-Putin Russia Lustration, a process of temporarily limiting public participation of individuals associated with a former regime from positions of power or influence in a new government, particularly after a transition from an authoritarian system to a democratic one, should apply to groups like the Center for Combating Extremism and the Federal Security Service—those directly involved in political repression. Beyond that, it is open for debate. 🗣️Focusing on War Crimes in the Military Speaking of the military, we should focus on investigating war crimes. This has nothing to do with lustration, but with prosecuting those involved in committing war atrocities.

Free Russia Foundation enthusiastically welcomes today’s introduction of the Belarus and Russia Investments in Democratic Governance during Exile (BRIDGE) Act in the US Senate. We are immensely grateful to the legislation author Senator Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and author of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The bill provides comprehensive support to Belarusian and Russian civil society members forced into exile due to their pro-democracy and anti-war activities, including: 🔵Requiring establishment of a diplomatic unit at the State Department to help address challenges faced by democratic forces in exile, including coordination of international efforts against government-sponsored transnational repression, advocacy for Russian and Belarusian democratic forces who are denied services by the private sector on the basis of their citizenship, and establishment of a more transparent process for democratic forces to provide evidence to the United States related to individuals whose conduct may merit U.S. sanctions; 🔵Authorizing $40 million in annual appropriations to support independent media and civil society in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (through USAID and the State Department’s Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Bureau); 🔵Authorizing $40 million in annual appropriations to USAGM for Ukraine initiatives, including coverage in Eurasia and the Global South, as well as facilitation of censorship circumvention tools; 🔵Preventing wrongful detentions through government and private sector initiatives; 🔵Directing the State Department to encourage the European Union and other European governments to provide political exiles with legal documentation in Europe; 🔵Requiring the State Department to designate additional diplomatic missions for expedited visa service to activists facing political persecution; 🔵Requiring development of a US government process for recognizing expired passports held by political exiles; 🔵and Codifying congressional oversight for the termination of sanctions by the Executive Branch. 🗣️“These measures duly recognize and meaningfully empower exiled Belarusian and Russian civil societies as critical allies in ending the war in Ukraine, reestablishing a lasting peace in Europe, and pursuing justice for the victims and perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity,” said Natalia Arno, President of Free Russia Foundation, regarding the legislation. Free Russia Foundation hopes for a swift passage of this legislation by the US Senate and a corresponding initiative by the US House of Representatives. https://lnkd.in/dhPiuCQq

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a significant exodus of Russian citizens has occurred, with many seeking refuge in European countries. However, these exiles are facing unexpected challenges to their freedoms within the European Union, as detailed by Dr. Gleb Bogush, a research fellow at the Institute for International Peace and Security Law at the University of Cologne and visiting professor at the University of Luxembourg. Despite fleeing an increasingly repressive regime at home, Russian citizens encounter restrictive policies in Europe that limit their rights and freedoms. 📌Entry restrictions are a major issue. Several EU countries have imposed near-total bans on Russian citizens, even those with valid visas, violating EU laws against nationality-based bans. The suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement has resulted in longer visa processing times and additional checks, severely limiting legal entry options for Russians fleeing repression. Humanitarian visa opportunities are scarce, and work permits or business visas have stringent requirements inaccessible to most. 📌Once in the EU, Russian citizens face further obstacles in seeking asylum. The process is lengthy and complicated, with high evidential thresholds to prove persecution risks. Many asylum systems are deficient, failing to adequately process claims. The Dublin procedure complicates matters by requiring asylum seekers to apply in their first EU country of entry, often leading to returns to states with inadequate protections. 📌Family reunification is another challenge. Restrictive definitions of “family members” prevent many Russians from visiting relatives in the EU. Additionally, Russian citizens face stigmatization and discrimination based on nationality, despite opposing their government's actions. The document proposes several solutions to address these issues: ☑️Flexible Reception Programs Implement unbureaucratic programs for Russian citizens targeted by repressive measures, allowing them entry and residence in the EU. ☑️Temporary Residence Permits Provide opportunities for Russians already in the EU to receive or extend temporary residence permits, even if they do not qualify for international protection. ☑️Third-Country Applications Allow Russian citizens to apply for reception programs from third countries, avoiding the need to return to Russia. ☑️Family Reunification Uphold the right of EU citizens and residents to reunify with their Russian family members by broadening definitions of eligible family members. ☑️Special Identity Documents Introduce procedures for issuing identity documents to Russians unable to renew passports due to non-cooperation from Russian diplomatic representations. Dr. Bogush argues that a coordinated approach is essential for supporting civil society actors fleeing repression and promoting democratic values. Please read the full policy brief here: https://ow.ly/I3LM50Trohn

What are the true reasons for rejecting Putin's dictatorship? Are we outraged only by the war he unleashed against Ukraine, or do we consider this war a continuation of his policy of suppressing freedom? It’s time to discuss values, argues Fedor Krasheninnikov, a Russian opposition political analyst, publicist, and political commentator. 🎯Lessons from the Cold War The West won the Cold War largely because its material and ideological foundations proved more attractive than those of the USSR. In Putin's Russia, there are no empty store shelves or other “delights” of the Soviet regime. That said, the economic practices of Putin's dictatorship can and should be criticized, but this is unlikely to help much in winning the hearts and minds of the Russian people. 🎯The Failure of 1990s Reforms In the early '90s, the architects of the nascent Russia reforms believed that abandoning socialist economics would make political reforms irreversible. However, this was not the case. The problem was that overcoming Soviet poverty became an end goal rather than a bridge to a new life. And as we can see now, liberal values are not included in a market economy package by default. 🎯The Foundation of Putinism Putinism lacks a coherent system of values, yet it critiques Western values. Its primary target is the basic concept of human rights and freedoms; these are portrayed as ideological constructs invented to weaken Russia. We, on the other hand, must defend these values by explaining their practical benefits. 🎯Militarism as Ideology Militarism has become a dominant ideology under Putinism: everything related to war is good; pacifism is bad. Overcoming militarism requires the consistent condemnation of all wars. Humanism—prioritizing human life over ideologies—could be Russia’s fundamental value going forward. 🎯Elitism and Anti-Democracy Putinism aims to eradicate democracy, transferring power to narrow circles. Dismantling elitist structures requires maximum citizen engagement through direct participation in governance. 🎯Leader Worship and Anti-Parliamentarism Leader worship has been essential to Putinism. The idea of parliamentary democracy faced continued discreditation throughout the '90s, leading citizens to believe a strong Supreme Leader was necessary. 🎯Centralization Cult Putinism thrives on glorifying centralization as the sole form of existence within Russia. Transforming Russia into a genuine federation with local self-governance is crucial for the country’s future. 🎯Fear and Hatred Towards an Out-Group Xenophobia, anti-feminism, racism, and homophobia are integral to Putinism. The opposition must assert equality before the law and reject discrimination based on origin, race, gender, or sexual practices. 🎯Opposition Values The anti-Putin resistance will succeed when we determine shared core values beyond rejecting Mr. Putin himself. We must fight for individual rights and uphold democratic pluralism.

Senator Cardin, Senator Wicker, Senator Whitehouse, and Senator Shaheen, along with Congressman Cohen and Congressman Keating, are welcoming Vladimir Kara-Murza, Vice President of Free Russia Foundation, back to freedom. Also present was Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Jim O'Brien.

On September 16, 2024, Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), met with democracy advocate Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is the Vice President of Free Russia Foundation, fellow activist and spouse Evgenia Kara-Murza, and Natalia Arno, the President of Free Russia Foundation, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by Russians working to support democracy and the anti-war movement in Russia. Prior to his release on August 1 in the prisoner exchange secured by the Biden-Harris Administration and other Allies, Vladimir Kara-Murza was imprisoned in Russia for speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Administrator Power, the Kara-Murzas, and Ms. Arno spoke about the current environment for Russian activists working for a free and democratic future in Russia, and discussed the risks these brave individuals face—including harassment, persecution, and violent repression—and the crucial need for continued international support. The Administrator articulated the United States’ continued commitment to support Russians who are standing up to repression and corruption and demanding a government that is more democratic and responsive to its citizens. https://lnkd.in/dNea3Ptq

Senator Cardin, a leading voice for human rights in the U.S. Senate, whose efforts were crucial in the release of a fellow human rights champion, Vladimir Kara-Murza, welcomes his friend back.