Message received today.
It's very serious that Russia is supporting the Syrian regime. Brings the world that much closer to a war involving everyone.
Subject: Dawn of the Russian Spring?
Avaaz.org - The World in Action Dear friends,
Something dramatic is happening right now in Russia -- tens of thousands are flooding the streets to oppose Vladimir Putin and his corrupt clan. If we join the world in surging behind them, this could be the tipping point that starts the Russian Spring.
It's extraordinary. Tens of thousands of Russians are right now taking great personal risks to march against Russian President.
Vladimir Putin has seen the Arab Spring sweep autocrats from power and is desperate to snuff out this movement before it grows. But if the demonstrators sustain large numbers in the street and global pressure mounts on him, Putin will have to back down and introduce real reforms. This is Russia's Tahrir Square moment, and global public support is like oxygen for the movement -- let's show the people of Russia that the world is with them in their struggle.
The protesters are braving arrest or worse to stand for freedom. The least we can do is symbolically stand with them to show Putin that the tide of history is against him. Sign the statement of support now and forward this widely so it circles the globe:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/russian_spring/?bBEuVbb&v=15116
As Putin has dragged Russia back towards an autocracy, he's also been responsible for some of the most horrific images the world has seen in recent weeks. His support for the Syrian regime has enabled it to massacre the women and children we've seen on our nightly news. A global backlash against him is not only good for Russia, it's good for the world.
Putin has consolidated power so effectively that he rode to a third term in May after dubious elections. But not even he can ride out mass, middle-class peaceful protest, which is why he is desperate to stop it. Last week, the Russian Parliament enacted a draconian law dramatically increasing fines for protesters, and then last night agents raided the homes of the opposition organizers, evoking the days of Josef Stalin.
The stakes are huge and the lines are drawn between Russia's corrupt, authoritarian rulers and its peaceful citizens -- let's show the protesters they are not alone in this struggle and help launch the Russian Spring. Add your voice and forward to everyone:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/russian_spring/?bBEuVbb&v=15116
Avaaz members have supported anti-corruption and democracy movements from India and Brazil to Burma and Bahrain, and stood with Occupy protesters the world over. This is Russia's moment to unleash a powerful movement for accountability and freedom -- let's show them our support now.
With hope and determination,
Stephanie, Alaphia, Ian, Ricken, Tihomir, Vilde, Luca and the whole Avaaz team
MORE INFORMATION
Russians protest against Putin despite pressure (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/12/us-russia-protests-idUSBRE85B0FF20120612
Russian opposition leaders homes raided (Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty)
http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-opposition-leaders-homes-searched/24610215.html
Putin protesters to face huge increase in court fines (The Independent)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/putin-protesters-to-face-huge-increase-in-court-fines-7821037.html
Back in the Kremlin (The Economist)
http://www.economist.com/node/21554537
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