The Russian journalist defied the authorities by brandishing a pacifist placard during a news from a public channel. A formidable symbol that gives hope for new acts of protest against the invasion of Ukraine.
What Marina Ovsiannikova has done is immense. Our reaction had to match the gesture of the one who took all the risks to interrupt the main pro-Kremlin news, brandishing a sign to oppose the war and denounce Moscow’s propaganda. In a few hours, this act of revolt spread massively in the Western media and on social networks. We commented on it, liked it, shared it… It’s good to think that Marina Ovsiannikova left the Moscow court on Tuesday evening, with a fine of 30,000 rubles but free, thanks to this monster mobilization.
The heroine of the last forty-eight hours still risks criminal prosecution punishable by heavy prison sentences. It is quite possible that her rebellion has been seen more times abroad than at home, that Russians watching this news will remember just as much the imperturbable presenter continuing to spout her lies on the air. But it would be wrong to say that Marina Ovsiannikova’s gesture did not count in Russia. As of Monday evening, she and her sign were everywhere on the messaging services that some still risk using despite the bans. “Other journalists are following my example,” rejoiced the protester at the exit of the court. Indeed: resignations are linked among the employees and correspondents of the Pervy Kanal chain.
This woman’s revolt is a drop of water in an ocean of propaganda messages. But it is a turning point in the protest movement in Russia. Still tiny on the scale of such a large country, but tough and incessant for twenty days that the Russian offensive in Ukraine has lasted. Not all Marina Ovsiannikova have been filmed, but appeals against the war are daily. Since February 24, more than 15,000 opponents have been arrested in Vladimir Putin’s country. Celebrate their courage.