Alexei Navalny, the Russian activist I wrote about in the previous blog, has been released from jail pending his appeal. This was a surprise move one day after he was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to five years in prison. What is unclear is "why"? One comment in the paper was that it reflects the pattern of Russian politics of alternating between crackdown and reprieve. Mr. Navalny is still running for mayor of Moscow. Perhaps the authorities are leaving his candidacy in place to show that opposition candidates are participating. He will still be subject to arrest once his appeal is ended.
There is an expression in Russian, "Na leva," which means "on the left" but more than that, it means "The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing." This covers many things in Russia: politics, business, personal matters and "Na Leva" would cover Mr. Navalny's story as well.
There is an expression in Russian, "Na leva," which means "on the left" but more than that, it means "The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing." This covers many things in Russia: politics, business, personal matters and "Na Leva" would cover Mr. Navalny's story as well.
How very peculiar.
ReplyDeleteThe "na leva" applies here, Jo. But the politics here in the US is not transparent either.
DeleteHi Tasha .. I did note Alexei's incarceration and subsequent release ...
ReplyDeleteWe have a Russian owner of 4 of our British newspapers and they make interesting reading - it's good to read different points of view .. whenever I see Alexander Lebedev's name I scan the details ..
I like the phrase "Na leva" .. and the turn of its meaning ... I'm so glad I live where I live ... I guess you feel the same way ...
Cheers Hilary
I am so glad I live where I live, but I am reminded of the quote, "To those who much is given (living in a free country), much is expected." I don't think I have lived up to the expected part. Thanks for your comments, as always.
Delete"Na Leva' probably applies to a lot of political leaders - and when it doesn't the people don't know what their government is up to.
ReplyDeletethis is an interesting story!
ReplyDeletePatsy: So true, especially these days, sadly.
ReplyDelete