Verdict against Navalny: Pure cynicism

The Kremlin is sending the main opposition members of Russia into custody. The verdict against Alexei Navalny is a shame. The federal government must finally act.

That was to be expected, but it is still appalling. Alexej Navalny has to be in a Russian prison camp for more than two years – with the absurd reason that he violated probation conditions from another trial. As a reminder: the opposition had only barely survived an attack with the neurotoxin Novitschok and had been flown to Germany for treatment in a coma. The judgment can hardly be surpassed in terms of cynicism and arbitrariness.

Even though the Kremlin and the Russian judiciary are characterized by cynicism and arbitrariness. Now at the latest, every apologist of Putin's autocracy must ask himself which side he is on. All over Russia, many people are taking all their courage to demonstrate for freedom and against the lies as well as the ubiquitous corruption, nepotism and self-enrichment of the Putin nomenclature. The system strikes relentlessly – thousands are beaten and arrested. And the face of the opposition is locked away.

Now at the latest, the federal government must finally ensure that the construction of Nord Stream 2 is stopped. It is not about severing all relations with Russia. It's about showing Putin the limits and setting an example – if only for reasons of self-respect.

Indecisive, contradicting Russia policy

It is high time we saw the future of Russia not in Putin and his kleptocracy but in the demonstrators. Germany's indecisive, contradicting Russia policy can no longer be communicated. On the one hand, the federal government is making a significant contribution to the imposition of sanctions for the annexation of Crimea. On the other hand, it is promoting the construction of a pipeline that will make Europe's energy supply even more dependent on Russia – and massively weaken Ukraine.

Economics and politics cannot be separated in relation to Russia. And even if it hurts large parts of German politics: As long as Putin is in power, "change through rapprochement" is a lie of life. During its rule Russia has become more and more authoritarian domestically and more and more aggressive in foreign policy.

To give a few examples: the Kremlin is trying to drive a wedge into the European Union. He supports the separatists in eastern Ukraine, the regime in Syria and the dictator in Belarus. There are repeated assassinations of opponents of the Kremlin. Russian hackers attacked the Bundestag network.

What else has to happen in order for the consequences to be drawn? Nord Stream 2 will help fund all of this. Stopping is therefore the right decision. It is high time to end opportunism.

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