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From a profile in The Guardian:
Criticising Russian state projects and the destruction of the environment leads to police intimidation, trumped up criminal charges and prison, says a green activist forced to seek political asylum in western Europe after protesting against a luxurious mansion being allegedly built for Vladimir Putin and the destruction of protected wilderness for the winter Olympic games in Sochi.
"It has become almost impossible now to object to grand projects which have the authorities behind them. People are threatened and intimidated," says zoologist Suren Gazaryan, who on Monday won a $175,000 prize in the Goldman awards, the equivalent of a "green Oscar". He is now in Germany after receiving political asylum in Estonia.
A short video on Mr. Gazaryan in English:
Criticising Russian state projects and the destruction of the environment leads to police intimidation, trumped up criminal charges and prison, says a green activist forced to seek political asylum in western Europe after protesting against a luxurious mansion being allegedly built for Vladimir Putin and the destruction of protected wilderness for the winter Olympic games in Sochi.
"It has become almost impossible now to object to grand projects which have the authorities behind them. People are threatened and intimidated," says zoologist Suren Gazaryan, who on Monday won a $175,000 prize in the Goldman awards, the equivalent of a "green Oscar". He is now in Germany after receiving political asylum in Estonia.
A short video on Mr. Gazaryan in English: