On Saturday, May 5th, Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny was arrested for leading a protest against Russia's current president, Vladimir Putin. During Russia's presidential campaigns, Navalny was kicked from the race due to his previous fraud conviction. Navanly's protest was unsuccessful because Putin ordered police to fire a red flare into the crowd of fifteen-hundred protesters, causing panic. Additionally, three-hundred protesters were arrested. Although Navalny rallied over fifteen-hundred protesters', Putin successfully won the election and was inaugurated as Russia's president for six years.Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think Navalny is suited to lead Russia?
2. Although he was arrested multiple times, do you think Navalny will continue to lead protests?
3. Why do you think Navalny rallies so many protests?
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ReplyDeleteI think that Navalny is suited to lead Russia, because I believe that anyone would be better than Putin. He has been accused of persecuting political critics and activists. I think that Navalny will continue to lead protests against Putin and rally people for the next election. Arresting your political opponent is not a good strategy, as it will only anger people and he has no right to do so, since Navalny has done nothing wrong. As long as his protests stay nonviolent, I believe that Putin should leave him alone. Mr. Navalny was prevented from running against Putin for embezzlement, a type of financial fraud. Mr. Navalny is an anti-corruption campaigner against Russia's flawed sense of democracy, dominated by one party: United Russia. Navalny's continued fight through protesting will only strengthen his passion against Russia's current leader.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Charlotte that Alexei Navalny is fit to lead Russia. He was raised in Russia, is a lawyer and is well educated as he went to Yale University. To add, Vladimir Putin and his government is accused of corruption and attributed assassinations and harassment. I think it wont be long until Navalny is released from his arrest and he'll persist to lead people. Navalny has a lot of media support and gained popularity through social media and through his many rallies
ReplyDeleteI agree with Charlotte’s views that the increasing oppression of Navalny, demonstrated through police arresting and punishing him, as well as re-electing Putin, will only strengthen Navalny’s passion in his ability to overthrow the Putin regime. In other words, the actions taken by the police will only lead Navalny to continue to lead protests, which eventually will lead Putin’s government to relent. This has been proven by numerous other events in history, such as apartheid, where continuing resistance over decades of time finally lifted the oppressive apartheid government in 1994. I also want to bring up how I am undecided about whether Navalny is well-suited to become Russia’s future leader. His character has been relatively new to many people, and so far has not given people a particularly positive reputation for a leader that would help maintain peace throughout Russia. The abrupt actions he took to lead his protests, such as risking being convicted of fraud, remain questionable to many. After all, the difference between the nature of a government led by Putin versus one with Navalny replacing Putin is not particularly large. We do not know what kinds of benefits it may hold.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone's views and I believe that Navalny is fit to run Russia and due to his background of protesting and being arrested should add on to the reason that he is fit to run the country. And not to add that he went to Yale and that he is educated as a lawyer. Although Putin is now the president of Russia, he is also accused of bad actions. Dealing with the election of Trump and there may be other secret accounts that the public is not aware of.
ReplyDeleteI would also agree with everyone's points of views. Though maybe a little too outspoken Navalny would for sure surpass the leadership of Putin. Since in the campaign itself Putin used increasingly manipulative tactics in order to win the campaign. Someone (or anyone for that matter) who has a more open-minded perspective, like Navanly, would be a better leader than Putin.
ReplyDeleteThe authorities’ refusal to allow the protest was certainly unlawful, but Putin has been accused of doing many illegal things throughout his political career. Despite his arrest, Navalny only received a 30 day jail sentence. He had already served several weeks-long jail terms for organizing other protests. Another month-long jail sentence is surely not enough to discourage him from protesting more. Despite being Putin’s most visible political opponent, Navalny doesn’t seem to be perceived as a legitimate threat to Putin’s position in government, which is why he didn’t receive a longer sentence. This will allow Navalny to continue his opposition to the government.
ReplyDeleteNavalny, having lead multiple protests, will probably continue to lead protests despite his many arrests. Based on his history, he will keep going in order to achieve his ultimate goal. Besides his own personal motive however, Navalny also has many supporters in Russia. While there are loyalists of Vladimir Putin, neutralists as well, there are also plenty that wish to see Putin out of the office. Hence, Navalny will keep leading protests for his supporters as well as his own benefits. Like any other politician, Navalny has his own reforms that he wants to put in place. Rallies and protests are not efficient enough for him to get into the office, however, it will serve as a mechanism to gain more and more supporters. By then, maybe he will have enough supporters to beat Putin.
ReplyDeleteI think that he is certainly fit to lead russia, having the courage to stand up against an oppressive regime of censorship and protest despite the threat of arrest. This suppression is a violation of human rights of free speech, but wouldn't have violated russian law, likely as putin controls it. I think he rallies protests to show that not everyone supports putin's regime, and that opposition does exist.
ReplyDeleteI think that Navalny definitely has the passion to lead Russia, considering the many protests he has organized and taken part in. He also seems to be respected by the people. I think that if he is truly passionate about his political opinions and the opinions of the people, he will continue to protest, despite being arrested. I think he is able to rally so many protests is because many people agree with his views. People are also easily riled up by large crowds. I think someone who is willing to fight for the rights of the people would make a good leader. He is also a lawyer, so he has a lot of experience where political issues are concerned.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Navalny
Navalny, an outspoken activist who led countless protests and rallies, is certainly fit to lead Russia. Navalny was raised in Russia and is a deeply educated man who attended Yale University. Not to mention, he has enough courage and passion to stand up against Putin's corrupt and oppressive government, which alone should qualify him for president. Navalny has the people's support, and that accounts for most of the struggle. Yes, he will definitely continue to lead protests, despite his history of arrests. Navalny seems to be a man unafraid of advocating for what he believes in, regardless of the consequences. Also, demonstrating his passion for politics is a good move to garner support from the masses.
ReplyDeleteHe would be a great president and he would lead the country towards the right direction but he is not able to due how he is treated by the current government. As president or even just as a candidate he would take his allegations of corruption beyond his Internet audience and into the homes of millions of Russians who rely on state broadcasters for information. Even if he migt not be able to win he would cause a lot of problems for putin. But still in theory he is predicted to come second if he ran for president against putin as people have a lot of trust on putin as he has been doing somethings that may seem good in the eyes of some people especially the improvement of the economy.
ReplyDeleteNavalny would be suited to lead Russia because even though he has been convicted of fraud, he has been an outspoken activist in an extremely oppressive country. Also, most people would make a better leader than Vladimir Putin. He has the passion to lead the country and would make a fitter leader than the current one. Additionally, he is popular with the public as many have rallied with him against Putin. This would make him fit to be the leader of Russia.
ReplyDeleteDespite his arrests I think he will still fight. we saw Biko and Mandela fighting for years after their several arrests. If people have the fire and desire to make change and do what they love, I doubt an arresst will stop them. As soon as he gets released, his followers will be waiting for him. I think he rallied so many protests because he needed followers and credibility.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think Navalny is suited to lead Russia because he doesn't seem to have any political experience run this major county. Plus he seems very radical, and that not be very good for such a large country like Russia. I certainly believe that Navaly will continue to protest if he is let out of jail. If he doesn't believe the Presidency of Russia he’s going to fight for change. Same kind of deal with those who fought for civil rights in the US in the 1960’s.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that anything will stop Navalny from speaking out against the government. He has continually shown the public his opinions and I wouldn't be surprised if others use him as a way to speak out against Putin. I do think it is time for Russia to have a change in power since the government makes it seem like there is a choice, but in reality Putin wins every time. He has been in some form of power for the last 18 years. Someone speaking against him might jsut be what the Russian people need to start some change.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42256140