Podcasts > The Daily > Inside Russia’s Crackdown on Dissent: An Update

Inside Russia’s Crackdown on Dissent: An Update

By The New York Times

Join "The Daily" as Sabrina Tavernise and Valerie Hopkins take you through the courageous journey of Alessia Krivtsova, a Russian student who transcended her non-activist past to become a vocal critic of the war in Ukraine. In an atmosphere where dissent is met with a swift and severe crackdown, Krivtsova's struggle against censorship and the draconian measures aimed at silencing her resonate with the broader repercussions of saying 'no' to war in Russia.

This episode not only trails the harrowing consequences that befall a young dissenter but also sheds light on the subversive networks that aid in such acts of defiance. From the dangers of criticising the government to the ultimate escape to a safe haven, this intimate depiction unravels the sacrifice and resilience demanded from those who dare to challenge the orthodoxy in a land where freedom of expression hangs by a thread. Learn how one student's quest for peace led her to abandon her homeland and embrace an uncertain future as a journalist in Norway, still haunted by separation but empowered by a relentless pursuit of truth.

Listen to the original

Inside Russia’s Crackdown on Dissent: An Update

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 27, 2023 episode of the The Daily

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Inside Russia’s Crackdown on Dissent: An Update

1-Page Summary

A Russian student, Alessia Krivtsova, speaks out against the war

Alessia Krivtsova, a 19-year-old student, emerges as a symbol of opposition during the Ukraine conflict. Though never an activist by intention, Krivtsova feels compelled to express her discontent with the events unfolding.

Krivtsova produces and distributes leaflets on Russia's Victory Day, pointing out the contradiction of celebrating peace while perpetuating war. The leaflets call attention to the suffering of World War II veterans in Ukraine and demand an end to the conflict.

Following her protest, Russian authorities track down Krivtsova, extract a filmed apology, fine her, and threaten her with criminal charges if she continues her dissent.

Undeterred, Krivtsova intermittently posts anti-war sentiments on her private Instagram account. However, after she shares her thoughts on the bombing of a bridge linking Russia to Crimea, her classmates report her to the state.

Due to her online activity, she faces grave accusations of justifying terrorism and slandering the military. The seriousness of the situation threatens to significantly impact her freedom and future.

To elude the repercussions of her actions, Krivtsova utilizes an underground activist network to flee to Vilnius, Lithuania. She disguises herself in a large, inconspicuous men's coat to escape detection.

Finally safe, Krivtsova settles in Kirkenes, Norway, continuing her education and embarking on a career as a journalist, covering Russian politics and political prisoners. Although she struggles with the distance from her loved ones and homeland, she finds comfort in the proximity to Russia. She also anticipates the relocation of her mother to Norway, hopeful for a new chapter of security and freedom.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Victory Day is a significant holiday in Russia and other countries that commemorates the victory in World War II. It is celebrated on May 9th each year to honor the sacrifices and achievements of the Soviet Union during the war. The day is marked with military parades, ceremonies, and tributes to veterans. It holds deep historical and cultural importance in Russia, symbolizing unity, patriotism, and remembrance of the war's impact.
  • The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a region previously part of Ukraine. This action led to ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with fighting primarily in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, displacement of civilians, and ongoing diplomatic challenges between Russia and Western countries. The situation remains complex and unresolved, with peace efforts ongoing.
  • An underground activist network typically consists of individuals or groups who operate covertly to promote a cause or resist a government or authority. These networks often use secret communication channels and methods to organize protests, distribute information, or help individuals facing persecution. They prioritize anonymity and security to protect members and their activities from detection by authorities. Underground networks can provide support, resources, and safe passage for individuals like Alessia Krivtsova who are at risk due to their activism or dissent.
  • Kirkenes is a town in Norway located in the Finnmark county, near the border with Russia. It is known for its strategic location and historical significance, especially during World War II. Today, Kirkenes serves as an important transportation hub with an international airport connecting it to various destinations.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Inside Russia’s Crackdown on Dissent: An Update

A Russian student, Alessia Krivtsova, speaks out against the war

Alessia Krivtsova, a 19-year-old university student studying advertising and public relations, becomes an unlikely voice of dissent amidst the conflict in Ukraine. Initially not considering herself an activist, circumstances compel her to take a stand.

Alessia publishes leaflets protesting the war on Russia's Victory Day

Driven by her frustration with the irony of celebrating peace while witnessing the ravages of war in Ukraine, Alessia and her friends produce leaflets on Victory Day. These leaflets highlight that World War II veterans are among those suffering due to shelling in Ukraine, and demand an end to the war. They then distribute these leaflets across the city.

Alessia is fined and warned against further dissent

The day following the leaflet distribution, representatives from the Russian Center for Combating Extremism locate Alessia by tracking her car's license plate. They coerce her into making a filmed apology to the Russian armed forces, issue a fine, and sternly caution her that any repeat of such actions could result in a criminal trial and imprisonment.

Alessia makes an anti-war post on Instagram

Despite the intimidation, Alessia sporadically voices her anti-war stance on her private Instagram account, which feels like a relatively secure space for expression.

A group of Alessia's classmates report her posts to authorities

After Alessia posts her reaction to the bombing of a bridge connecting Russia with Crimea, understanding Ukrainians’ jubilation over the incident, a group of her classmates who had been scrutinizing her Instagram posts report her to the authorities.

Alessia faces charges for justifying terrorism and discrediting the military

On the heels of her social media activities, Alessia confronts official allegations, accused of justifying terrorism and discrediting the Russian military. These charges hold serious ramifications that could severely alter her freedom and future.

Alessia escapes Russia with the help of an underground activist network

Determined to avoid the harsh consequences of her outspokenness, Alessia leverages a ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

A Russian student, Alessia Krivtsova, speaks out against the war

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Russian Center for Combating Extremism is an organization in Russia tasked with monitoring and addressing activities deemed extremist or threatening to national security. They often work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action against individuals or groups involved in activities considered extremist by the Russian government. Their actions can include issuing warnings, fines, and even pursuing criminal charges against those perceived to be promoting extremism or dissent against the state.
  • Victory Day is a significant holiday in Russia and other countries that commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is celebrated on May 9th each year with various events and ceremonies honoring veterans and those who sacrificed during the war. The day holds deep historical and emotional significance for many Russians, symbolizing the country's resilience and victory in one of the most devastating conflicts in history. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and national pride for many in Russia and other nations that observe Victory Day.
  • Crimea is a peninsula located in Eastern Europe, historically significant for its strategic location and diverse cultural influences. It has been a point of contention between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia occupying the region since 2014. The Crimean Bridge connects Crimea to mainland Russia, symbolizing the geopolitical complexities surrounding the area. The region's history includes periods of Greek colonization, Roman and Byzantine rule, Genoese trading outposts, and Ottoman conquest.
  • Kirkenes is a town in Norway located near the border with Russia. It is known for its strategic location and historical significance, especially during World War II. Toda ...

Counterarguments

...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA