What's happened
Vladimir Putin secures a landslide victory in the Russian presidential election, with over 87% of the vote, amidst widespread condemnation of the sham election. The opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, dies in prison, with critics silenced or exiled, as Putin tightens his grip on power. Putin mentions Navalny's death for the first time, suggesting a prisoner swap, amidst claims of natural causes and whataboutism. Putin's crackdown on dissent intensifies, with critics imprisoned and Navalny's widow blaming Putin for her husband's death.
Why it matters
The rigged election and crackdown on dissent in Russia under Putin's rule have significant implications for democracy and human rights. The international condemnation highlights the erosion of democratic norms and the stifling of opposition voices in Russia. The death of Navalny and the subsequent events underscore the dangers faced by those who challenge Putin's authority, raising concerns about the future of political dissent in the country.
What the papers say
The Independent and The Scotsman provide detailed coverage of the Russian presidential election, highlighting the lack of genuine opposition and the oppressive tactics employed by Putin's regime. The Independent emphasizes the international condemnation of the election as a sham, with world leaders denouncing Putin's tightening grip on power. The Scotsman focuses on Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron's criticisms of Putin's authoritarian tactics, likening him to a modern-day Stalin.
How we got here
Vladimir Putin's presidency has been marked by a consolidation of power, with increasing repression of dissent and opposition voices. The invasion of Ukraine further escalated Putin's authoritarian tendencies, leading to a crackdown on critics and anti-war dissidents. The death of Alexei Navalny in prison, under suspicious circumstances, has drawn global attention to the human rights abuses and lack of political freedom in Russia.
More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Alexei Anatolievich Navalny is a Russian politician and anti-corruption activist. He gained prominence in Russia, and in Russian and international media, as a critic of corruption, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in