Some people are trying to make the reality in Russia at least a bit more humane. The amnesty should apply not only to persons involved in high-profile cases, but also to individuals who are not as well-known. It is better to set free at least some of the individuals who deserve to be released than no one at all.
Writer and Editor-in-Chief of the Free Press website Sergei Shargunov shares his opinion on the Human Rights Council, a draft resolution on amnesty timed with Constitution Day, and its influence on the country’s image.
President Vladimir Putin supported a draft resolution on amnesty that was written in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the Constitution, and noted that the document will be completed together with State Duma deputies. What will the final version of the draft look like, and do you think that it will be passed by the Duma?
It is hard to judge the draft because it is unclear who and how many people will be pardoned. But there is no doubt that the draft will be endorsed by the State Duma.
What do you think about the Human Rights Council’s performance and its proposals regarding amnesty?
Generally speaking, I have positive feelings about the activity of the Human Rights Council. Some people are trying to make the reality in Russia at least a bit more humane. This applies to penitentiaries as well. As for amnesty proposals, it is better to set free at least some of the individuals who deserve to be released than no one at all.
Could the people detained in the Bolotnaya Square case be included in the amnesty? The amnesty will not apply to people who committed acts of violence against law enforcement officers and some of the arrestees have been accused of a felony. Will you raise the issue of these detainees if they are not pardoned?
I have raised this issue and I will continue to do so. It is impossible to understand the May 6 events outside the domestic political context. The problem is that the division in the country is growing and there is discord between generations. I think that the authorities, if they are wise and strong, should display mercy, set the Bolotnaya Square detainees free, and meet a large part of society halfway on many issues.
What do you think about the possibility of an amnesty for the Pussy Riot members and the Greenpeace activists who were accused of hooliganism?
I share the view of our great poet who urged for mercy for those in peril. We have too much violence as it is, and there are many high-ranking individuals who seem to be able to disregard the law.
Some people including Human Rights Council head Mikhail Fedotov say that former YUKOS CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and opposition member Alexei Navalny may be included in the amnesty. Is this possible?
I think that it is possible. This would be the right thing to do from a common sense point of view. I don’t think that Khodorkovsky, who has spent 10 years behind bars, will pose any threat to the authorities, if released. But everything is possible and he might even receive a third term in prison. As for Navalny, it is wrong to deprive this young politician of the opportunity to take part in the elections due to the recent verdict. He received strong support in the mayoral elections. Such restrictions do not promote peace and accord in Russian society.
How will the amnesty affect Russia’s image and investment climate?
I hope that it will do so positively. The amnesty should apply not only to persons involved in high-profile cases, but also to individuals who are not as well-known – pregnant women and the elderly, many people who committed a crime for the first time. I hope that this will happen. Russia needs to soften its practices.
