Kremlin critics unite for the first time to boycott the ‘fake elections’: Russians join Putin protest in Switzerland

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They are quite brave. On Sunday at noon, the Russians want to gather in front of the embassy at Brunnadernrain in Bern and in front of the consulate general in Geneva to protest against the elections in Russia. “The ‘Lunch against Putin’ campaign is being conducted worldwide,” Polina Sommer (40) of the Anti-War Committee told Blick.

It was the first time that the various opposition groups organized a joint action, says Sommer. “We want to show with a large crowd that Vladimir Putin is not the legitimate Russian president.” The large gathering of people at the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny († 47) gave them the courage to take this step.

Sommer calls on all Russians to dress in the opposite colors of blue-white-blue or to bring appropriate items. She is optimistic: “There will be thousands demonstrating in Berlin, and I hope there will be thousands in Switzerland too.” Blue-white-blue is the color of the Russian opposition – it has abolished the red color, the color of blood.

Fear of poisoning

The action is not entirely harmless. Although Polina Sommer has lived in Switzerland for thirty years, fear is her daily companion. “I don’t feel safe anywhere. I always expect to be poisoned or have something done to my family.”

Presidential elections will take place in Russia from Friday to Sunday. The opponents of the incumbent Vladimir Putin (71) have been thrown out or eliminated. People generally speak of ‘fake elections’ because it is already certain that Putin will win.

The aim of the first concerted action by the Kremlin opposition is to wake up Putin. “Our global turmoil will ultimately lead to his downfall,” Polina Sommer says hopefully. (GF)

Source: Blick