Latest posts by Andrey Tselikov from January, 2013
Russian Teacher Briefly Fired for Defending LGBT Rights
As if Russia's liberals were not already outraged enough about a proposed federal law banning "homosexual propaganda", the firing of an activist school teacher protesting this law has sparked a fresh wave of online indignation.
Where Russia's Honest Ones Go to Die: Dolmatov's Suicide
On the morning of January 17, Russian political refugee Alexander Dolmatov was found having hanged himself in a solitary cell of a Dutch deportation center. Dolmatov left Russia last summer, believing himself to be under observation by Russian security forces and in danger of arrest for participation in a May 6, 2012, Moscow rally that turned violent.
Opposition Party Attacks Russian eDemocracy
Just Russia has always been a conflicted political entity. Nominally, it's a social-justice-oriented opposition party with members in the Russian parliament. During the past year, Just Russia has gained a reputation for rebelliousness, after several of its high profile members began moonlighting as leaders of the unofficial opposition. The party's leadership is now demanding an end to the rebellion.
Russian Facebook of Horrors: It's a Conspiracy!
In the days immediately following Kabanov's arrest Russian netizens experienced a rare period of introspection, liberally sprinkled with conspiracy theories.
Volunteers Settle Dispute Over Size of Moscow Protest?
No Russian opposition rally is truly over, it seems, until there has been an Internet flame war over the strength of its attendance. After the last protest march three groups have used independent approaches to produce a realistic headcount.
Russian Facebook of Horrors: From Tragedy to Humor
Humor is sometimes the only way to deal with a tragedy like the one that struck Russian Facebook over the weekend, when it turned out that Alexey Kabanov, chef and father of three, had allegedly strangled and dismembered his wife, Irina Cherska.
Russian Facebook of Horrors: The Murder Trail
A Moscow chef, Alexey Kabanov, has allegedly strangled and dismembered his wife and mother of three small children, Irina Cherska. Kabanov and Cherska were tightly integrated into the protest-minded Russophone Facebook community.
Russian Internet Easily Distracted by Beavers
Amid scandal and legislative controversy the RuNet is sidetracked by quirky recipes and celebrities.
Snowballs: Russia's Phantom Menace
St. Petersburg police have dispersed a snowball fighting flashmob in the city center. The RuNet is outraged.
Sex Allegations Hound Russia's Top Blogger
As RuNet was preparing to celebrate the New Year, Tatyana Delsal, estranged ex-wife of popular blogger and Coordinating Council member Rustem Adagamov, has accused him of statutory rape.
