Sakharov and Protestors

Andrei Sakharov was another person for whom the roulette wheel spun in amazing, unpredictable directions. As he himself said, "I am a man with an unusual fate."  A nuclear physicist who was partially responsible for the development of nuclear weapons in the Soviet Union, he later became a renowned dissident and defender of human rights and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975.  He was convinced that human rights should form the basis of politics and due to his activist stance endured internal exile, police surveillance, and when he went on a hunger strike, forced feeding.


Meanwhile, it was on Sakharov Square, near his impressive statue that protestors gathered today, 24 December, in the continuing demonstrations against Putin & Co.  Under falling snow -- the first since my arrival here -- a crowd shouted the usual anti-Putin slogans and listened to a variety of speakers interspersed with rock bands.

 Statue of Sakharov, his hands are bound behind his back as a prisoner, in the background are the stage and a demonstrators.  

When asked who who would help ensure the upcoming March elections were conducted fairly and properly, the whole crowd raised hands.

From left to right: "Santa Claus, for Christmas give us a new president."  "Putin is a good reason to live abroad" and "Send Putin to North Korea!"

"Freedom to Political Prisoners" 

With special forces and their vehicles in the background:  it seems even Santa is now against Putin.

The first snow of the season settles across the city and gives the chance for snow graffiti: "Russia without Putin."

As before, life beyond the police barricades proceeds fairly oblivious to the chants of the demonstrators.  

Once again, some people try to earn a living.  On Haymarket Squre, this man is promoting money within five minutes and with no deposit.

Other people get married.

And some people just don't seem to mind the cold. Or perhaps they prefer style to comfort.

After the demonstration I went to a Christmas Eve party at Tour Guide Natasha's.  Intellectual Sascha said "Don't worry if you don't understand the political situation. None of us do."  As the vodka flowed, Natasha proposed a Holiday Toast to all our friends, near and far.  Cheers!

PS: Actress Larissa sent a short text message. She says the Twelve Chairs event with Nigerian Prince went even worse than expected. Details will follow when we see each other.

[originally published 24 December 2011]