Strategy 31 is now a global symbol of protest against the corrupt and dangerous regime of Putin’s Russia. Lend your support to the people of Russia by coming to the October 31st March of Dissent in front of the former KGB headquarters in Manhattan.
Russians, like all citizens of civilized nations, must be allowed to peacefully assemble without fear of being arrested or beaten. Article 31 in the Russian constitution guarantees this right, but the current Kremlin regime has seriously curtailed it.
They must be free to protest against mafia-like ‘vertical power’, driven by ego, money and corruption of the state officials, lack of an independent media and judicial system and no respect for human rights. President Obama often speaks of
“resetting” the US-Russian relationship, but only on aspects that advance his geopolitical goals, not ones that affect the daily lives of those in Russia. As David Kramer, senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and former assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor in the George W. Bush administration wrote:
The human rights situation in Russia is bad and likely to get much worse as the March 2012 presidential election nears. Those in power will do anything to stay in power. Russia’s future and political development will be determined by Russians, but the West should do no further harm by perpetuating the current system. Enough already with U.S. expressions of “regret” about the deteriorating situation inside Russia — it’s time to call it like it is: Condemn what’s happening there and consider consequences for continued human rights abuses.
This event is for those who are not indifferent to the fate of Russia and, ultimately, us all. Take part in an interesting and important event, a tragical farce, or in the words of the Great Bard, ‘tragical-historical.’ Past and current Russian leaders will come alive on this Halloween night.
Logistics
Who: Supporters of Freedom of Assembly in Russia
What: March of Dissent/Strategy 31 Rally in New York City
Where: In front of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to UN (Former KGB Headquarters)
136 E 67th Street, New York, NY 10065 (between Lexington & 3rd Aves)
When: Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 4p to 7p
Why: To protect and advance the human rights and democratic values of Russian citizens and elsewhere in the world
