TRANSCRIPT:
The Inside Story: The Peoples’ Protest
Episode 60 – October 6, 2022
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Unidentified Narrator:
From Iran to Russia …
Afghanistan to Haiti …
Protests rage across the globe as the people demand change.
What's driving unrest, and how are governments reacting?
We’ll take you around the world for the latest …
Now on The Inside Story… The Peoples’ Protest.
The Inside Story:
ELIZABETH LEE, VOA Correspondent:
Hi. I’m Elizabeth Lee, VOA Correspondent.
It’s been a tumultuous few weeks in regions around the globe.
In Iran, women are cutting their hair and removing their hijabs in protest of the death of a young woman in police custody---detained because her hijab did not cover all of her hair.
Across Russia, there have been anti-war protests, attacks on military recruitment offices and an exodus of military-aged men, all in response to President Vladimir Putin’s September 21st announcement mobilizing 300-thousand military reservists for Russia’s war on Ukraine.
We’re going to start with the growing tension in Russia.
Criticism of Putin’s decision to activate reservists and the direction of the war is not limited to street protests. It is spilling into government-controlled media.
Calls for an end to the invasion and the impeachment of Vladimir Putin resonates through the city of St. Petersburg.
Here’s Henry Ridgwell with a report from VOA’s Moscow bureau.
HENRY RIDGWELL, Reporting for VOA:
For several years, opposition members of St. Petersburg’s city assembly have been meeting in this pizzeria — because the authorities won't let them into parliament.
In recent weeks, this small group of lawmakers has shaken Russian politics — by presenting a formal petition for the impeachment of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dimitri Paliuga, Smolny District Representative:
We chose to use a new rhetoric. We are liberal MPs, and up to now we were concerned more with social issues. In this petition for [Putin’s] removal, we focus on the fact that he has caused fundamental damage to the Russian Federation — not to another state — but to the citizens of our country.
HENRY RIDGWELL:
Their demand to remove Putin from power is based on their belief that the war in Ukraine — what Putin calls a ‘special military operation’ — is a personal project of the Russian president.
Dimitri Paliuga, Smolny District Representative:
I am convinced that if Vladimir Putin ceases to be the president, this ‘special operation’ (in Ukraine) will not continue.
HENRY RIDGWELL:
These opposition lawmakers have already been fined — and they accept they could face further criminal charges.
Dmitry Baltrukov, Smolny District Representative:
Many people are worried that something might happen to us. But someone has to do something.
HENRY RIDGWELL
The petition has also energised Saint Peterburg’s civil society into open defiance.
In this small bar in St. Petersburg, young poets gather to read their poems critical of Putin's war in Ukraine. They believe the time has come to speak their minds.
Artur Yamaletdinov, Poet and Recital Organizer:
The courage of the intellectuals who stand against the war gives people hope, gives people motivation and strength to continue fighting — since you discover that you are not alone.
Yury Zavorotniy, Poet:
Most people to this day remain silent. But perhaps that is changing, because we see the news. But it will take time.
HENRY RIDGWELL
There is an ever-present fear that these actions — no matter how small — could lead to arrest.
Dzhamil Nilov, Poet:
Fear affects anyone, it is a normal reaction. Only idiots and [political opposition leader] Alexey Navalny are not afraid. I am not Navalny, and I am not an idiot, so yes, I am afraid.
HENRY RIDGWELL
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has not only upended global security but has plunged Russia into political and social instability. The consequences are difficult to predict.
Millions of young Russians — an entire generation — face a deeply uncertain future.
For VOA’s Moscow Bureau, Henry Ridgwell in London.
ELIZABETH LEE:
Hundreds of people have been reportedly detained as Russia cracks down on protests and dissent.
I spoke to Rafael Saakov from VOA’s Russian Service to get a better perspective of the impact the protests are having on Russian society and the pressure it puts on Putin and the Russian government.
Rafael Saakov, VOA Russian Service: