That Russia had become more xenophobic in recent years no one doubted. But the risk that Russia's general sentiments might transport public opinion to what could be called a right wing movement, could become all too real.
Yet the rally organized for today in Moscow holds an eery reminiscence to other recent nationalist rallies in European countries, where the rally attendees usually belong to the right or far right wing of the political spectrum.
Navalny, riding his success in the recent polls, and his so far successful battle to stay out of jail, is squarely behind this rally. And his propaganda is aimed directly at the immigrant population, which he sees as usurping the Russians' right to work, and to having made crime worse in the areas in which they live.
Immigration into Russia proper, usually begins from countries that used to be under Russian rule, such as the Stan provinces. But this kind of discrimination, which was palpable long ago, and attested to by the dire condition in which the migrants worked and lived, threatens to become a veritable wave of hatred, which could result in both extradition and violence against the weary migrants.
Many in the rally earlier today displayed imperial flags, something that has become increasingly visible in recent years.
The rally was echoed by similarly organized demonstrations in other Russian cities.
What is telling is the demographic picture of the rallies: the participants cut across all age and social classes. What is more worrisome, is that the rallies seem to have the silent assent of the government. Incitement to violence or persecution of migrants seems to be viewed as a way to better the Russian economic picture. But that isn't so, since the migrants are usually employed in positions most Russians would not be willing to take, such as sewer workers, and street sweepers.
Some reports show that many Nazi symbols and slogans were deployed at the rallies, as can be seen in the above picture. Although such symbols appear to not be tolerated, as some of the bearers were apprehended and detained, it very well could signify the beginning of a movement with imperialist dreams and neo nazi sympathies.
Op- Ed
Source : The HIndu/ABC/ 11.04.13
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