“The defense of human rights in Russia has not disappeared. They would have liked to destroy Memorial, but they can't do it.”assures World the famous Russian opponent Oleg Orlov, in the middle of the crowd gathered on Sunday November 17 near Potsdamer Platz, in Berlin. Wrapped in thick jackets, several hundred Russians in exile came to shout their opposition to the regime of Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.
Mr. Orlov, co-president of Memorial, the NGO co-winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize and dissolved by Russian justice, has lived in Berlin since its release in August 2024, following an exchange of prisoners. The demonstration launched at the call of the three main figures of the Russian opposition in exile, Yulia Navalnaïa, Ilia Iachine and Vladimir Kara-Mourza, also released this summer, brought together, according to the police, 1,800 people who marched in the streets of the Mitte district in central Berlin to the Russian Embassy.
“Many people in Europe do not understand that Putin's victory in Ukraine would be a defeat for Europe itself”, deplores Mr. Orlov. Asked about Chancellor Olaf Scholz's controversial call to Mr. Putin on Friday, November 15, to discuss the conditions for peace in Ukraine, the Russian opponent replied: “It all depends on what the goal of that conversation was. If it was to keep pressure on Mr. Putin, that's a good thing. If it's just to calm the attacker down, it's counterproductive. The conditions of peace can only be decided with the agreement of the Ukrainians”he articulates, in the hubbub of the parade.
“We must speak loudly”
“No to war”, “Together against Putin”, “Russia will be free” protesters chant in Russian. In the procession, a delegation even came from France, around members of the Russia-Libertés association. The demonstration aimed to remobilize opposition to the Russian regime, weakened since the death of activist Alexeï Navalny in prison in February 2024, but also very divided, particularly on the question of arms deliveries to Ukraine.
“We do not expect anything from this demonstration on the outcome of the conflict. But psychologically, it's important to know that there are Russians who continue to oppose this war and defend democracy.”, explains Leonid Golub, who has immigrated to Bavaria since the summer of 2022 with his wife, Maria. Originally from Saint Petersburg, they left their country when they understood that they could no longer demonstrate their opposition there. Both are scientists, physics researchers and have found employment at the University of Regensburg. Maria highlights how Berlin's commitment to the release of prisoners this summer was an important moment. “It was a strong sign. We want to show that we continue to support the thousands of prisoners held in terrible conditions. »
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Source: Lemonde