Saturday, November 24, 2007

Meanwhile regarding democracy . . .

Kasparov seized by Russian police

Russian police seize an opposition activist in Moscow 24-11-07
Clashes erupted when activists tried to break through police lines
Russian police have detained opposition leader and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov.

He and other critics of President Vladimir Putin were arrested as police broke up a rally in Moscow organised by Mr Kasparov's Other Russia coalition.

Police moved in when protesters tried to march to the election commission, which had barred Other Russia candidates from next week's election.

President Putin's supporters are widely expected to win the 2 December poll.

Other Russia brings together a broad coalition of mainstream politicians, leftists and nationalists, all of whom are opposed to the Kremlin.

Movement growing

About 3,000 protesters attended Saturday's rally, carrying banners and calling for the country to be rid of President Putin.

In speeches, leaders of the movement bitterly criticised the upcoming parliamentary election, saying there was no choice for voters.

Attending the rally for the first time was the leader of one of the mainstream liberal parties - a sign that the movement is growing, says the BBC's Richard Galpin in Moscow.

The trouble broke out at the end of the rally when about 100 protestors tried to break through police lines.

They began to march to the election commission and were stopped by riot police.

Mr Putin stands down when Russia elects a new president in March 2008, as the constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term.

He has decided to stand as a parliamentary candidate - which effectively guarantees him a seat in the next parliament.

The Supreme Court has dismissed an opposition complaint against the move.

Original article posted here.

4 comments:

The Freewheeling Socrates said...

"The trouble broke out at the end of the rally when about 100 protestors tried to break through police lines.

They began to march to the election commission and were stopped by riot police."

How many times have we seen this by now typical play right out of the CIA gamebook?

How 'bout, "Planted KGB agents made to look like protesters became violent and the police took their cue by busting heads and arresting Karpov, who recently has been mouthing off about Putin and the the return to mafia style government."

Da Weaz said...

Agreed with everything, except the chess player. Karpov was the one Kasparov beat.

But on the main point, you're absolutely right: the "intelligence" agencies are mirror images of each other, steeped in criminality and provocation.

Anonymous said...

The other plant is Mr Kasparov, a zionist plant that is. These guys are still miffed by Putin's audacity in throwing out thier billionaire crooked friends.

Life is so complicated.

K.

Da Weaz said...

Agree with you, too, K, about Kasparov.

Yes, life is, in fact, more complicated than even, let's say, chess.