How the opposition in New York discussed Putin, Syria and Skolkovo

Russian opposition at a meeting in Brooklyn. Photo by Denis Cheredov

New Yorkers have never had a chance to communicate with well-known Russian oppositionists before. But last weekend, finally, it was possible, and with two at once, with a runaway deputy, Ilya Ponomarev and a public figure, Vladimir Milov. It was in the Brooklyn Public Library.

Two hours the Russians talked about politics, elections, Syria and so on. And also conducted a campaign among Brooklyn retirees.

State Duma deputy from the party “Fair Russia” Ilya Ponomarev immigrated to the United States last summer. In Russia, he was deprived of parliamentary immunity and opened a criminal case. Ponomarev is accused of complicity in embezzling 750 thousand dollars from the budget of the Skolkovo Foundation. A fugitive deputy cannot return to Russia - he was arrested in absentia by decision of a Russian court and will soon be put on the international wanted list by Interpol. As for Vladimir Milov, in the opinion of the Russian law enforcement agencies, he did not violate the laws. Milov heads the opposition party “Democratic Choice” and is engaged in journalism.

The former homeland does not happen

About fifty people gathered in the hall of the Brooklyn library. Most of them are pensioners who came to the United States twenty years ago. Participants greeted the main characters of the meeting with applause.

"Wouldlice homeland does not happen. Nineteen years ago, I came to America. I have a lot of relatives and friends both in Russia and in Ukraine, ”says Eleonora Foreman. The woman is sure: the criminal case against the fugitive deputy was fabricated, but it will be acquitted only if power changes in Russia.

This is what the first question was asked from the audience: when will Putin leave? “Putin will not leave soon. But this does not mean that we should sit and wait. We must act. Our party is going to participate in the elections to the State Duma in September 2016. And we are planning to go through the necessary barrier if we strictly follow our program, ”answered Vladimir Milov.

And the meeting immediately turned into agitation. Still, potential voters were present in the hall, even though they were residents of the United States. Ilya Ponomarev shared his view of the important moments of the campaign with the audience. “Number one is the problem of prices. The second is pensions. Then - housing and communal services [housing and communal services], education and health care. And few people will think about political things. And even the war in Ukraine will not be on this agenda, ”he noted.

Questions followed from the audience: how, they say, to participate in elections, if they are dishonest, and not to win the ruling party. “We work there on the ground. It is hard for us there. They even kill us there. Please do not tease. I've been twice removed from the elections in my area where I live, ”Milov complained. He is confident that his party “Democratic Choice” will be voted, since many want to see them in power.

Oppositionists walked through the war in Syria. According to them, Putin has several goals: get out of international isolation and divert attention from Ukraine. “All this is a lie about fighting ISIS [Islamic State]. Russia wants to protect its boyfriend Assad and draw Iran into its orbit as an ally, ”Milov said.

We see the FSB

The question of the annexation of the Crimea was not discussed - obviously, everybody had one opinion, and it coincided with the position of Ponomarev, the only State Duma deputy who voted against the merger of the peninsula with Russia. That’s what caused his persecution, the opposition member said.

“My criminal case is completely political. A tradition has already been established in Russia: if you are against the authorities, then a criminal case will be opened against you anyway, ”he noted. Formally, the ex-deputy is imputed to frauds with the budget of the Skolkovo Foundation, in which Ponomarev served as presidential adviser, oversaw the international direction and, among other things, was responsible for creating the joint SkolTech University with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston. The deputy is accused of complicity in embezzlement of more than twenty two million rubles.

“Investigators want me to donkey in one place and not go anywhere. Or went to seek political asylum. But I will not do this. I'm waiting for the arrest warrant. Then the case will be considered in the court of the country where I will be, ”- said the fugitive deputy. Ponomarev has no doubt that he will win the defense, as he is confident that Russian law enforcement officers will not be able to prove that he was enriched at the expense of Skolkovo.

In one of the interviews, Ilya Ponomarev once stated that “it is very important to be sincere” and “any untruth will emerge”. “Forum” asked the oppositionist if he always speaks the truth? “Well, you know how it happens in politics ... There is no pure truth in politics,” answered Ponomarev with a smile.

Someone from the audience tried to make a donation for the organization “Free Russia”, but Ilya Ponomarev asked to discuss the details not publicly, but face to face. He explained this by the fact that the conversation is broadcast live on the network. “We are watched and seen by the FSB [Federal Security Service] officers. We send them fiery greetings. The one who would like to make a contribution - come to me after, please, ”said the deputy.

“Free Russia” is looking for new members

The meeting was organized by the non-profit organization “Free Russia”. Information on its activities can be found on the official Online or on the page in facebook.

One of the founders of the organization is Vladislav Burlutsky. He came to the United States three years ago, recently received political asylum here. In Russia, he participated in lobbying Magnitsky law. Because of what, the Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case against Burlutsky. “There were death threats, and I decided to leave the country. He left for America, as he had been here before and taught at the University of Pennsylvania, ”says Burlutsky.

According to the leader, the public organization “Free Russia” is now looking for sponsors. And the foundation lives only thanks to the personal donations of members and supporters. “We are essentially volunteers. For today's meeting, the library gave us this room absolutely free. Our goal is to create a platform for intellectuals, for example, such as Ilya Ponomarev, and outline a transition plan in the history of Russia. I mean in post-Putin Russia. And our experts are discussing this plan, ”explains Burlutsky.

In “Free Russia”, new people are always welcome. “We invite especially those people who came to the US recently. And we are waiting for those who are here for political or economic reasons, ”the leader of Free Russia says. True, the organization will not be able to provide real legal assistance to political refugees - there are no immigration lawyers in the state.