The Russian Bell

We all are Russian

Vladimir Bukovsky’s campaign in Russia is over. As the General President of Comitatus pro Libertatibus, his supporters and many democrats had expected, the Central Election Commission has refused to register him as a candidate to Presidency because of his dual citizenship and because he did not live in Russia for the last 10 years. Both positions are disputable and require interpretation by courts, however knowing who controls the courts in Russia, there is no doubt that their decision will be against Bukovsky (and against common sense).
But Bukovsky’s work had always been targeted for a longer-lasting impact rather than the elections. He and his supporters knew all along that he will not be registered. His real task was to encourage the popular resistence to the Putin's regime and to help the opposition to get united (or at least to coordinate its activities). Both targets were reached. Bukovsky’s friends have managed to generate huge enthusiasm (just imagine 800 people standing in line outdoors for 7 hours with the temperature being -5C in order to be registered as supporters while the law requires only 500!).
Now, the question is - how to proceed? Many of Bukovsky’s supporters want to generate a new movement building on our success, but they are debating what format will be the most proper for such a movement. All agree that it should not be too centralized and over-regulated leaving sufficient freedom to the grass-roots groups to experiment and to utilize local peculiarities. Also, we should keep in mind that the political repressions are growing in the country and, therefore, any centralized conspiratorial organization will be vulnerable.
So, Bukovsky suggested to adopt the format offered by our Comitatus. Ideally, the Russian movement should be a part of the Italian and European set-up. That will offer the people some protection as members of a foreign movement. Also, we hope, our Comitatus will raise up in defense of their persecuted brothers in Russia. Now, to all of us is offered a tall order.

Visit the official Italian website http://www.libertates.com/it/ or the international website http://www.libertates.com/en/ for information, further details, scheduled events and much more.