In support of the radical left in Russia

When he was in Moscow on Thursday 28 February last, the day when the trial of 19 militants from the Russian Socialist Movement (revolutionary Marxists and Trotskyists), the Left Front of Russia (in opposition to the Communist Party) and Autonomous Action (libertarian communists) started, François Hollande kept quiet in the name of the superior interests of French companies who do business with Russia. [Français]

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In support of the radical left in Russia

On Friday 1 March from 6 to 7pm, close on 100 people gathered outside the Russian embassy in Paris to protest against the repression of militants from the Russian radical left. The protest was called by the NPA (Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste), Alternative Libertaire, Lutte Ouvrière, the Left Party, the Union Syndicale Solidaires, the French Communist Party, Europe Ecology/The Greens and the Anticapitalist Left.

They shouted slogans against the repression and calling for the liberation of militants under trial. Then each organization gave a short speech: Arlette Laguiller for LO, Alain Krivine for the NPA, Laurent Esquerre for AL, Eric Coquerel for the Left Party and lastly Jacques Gaillot [a controversial bishop known as the "Red Cleric" - tr.].

The speakers denounced the dictatorial regime which reigns in Russia and the repression which aims to crush those who were at the forefront of the protests that shook the Russian government a little over a year ago after the parliamentary elections that had been rigged by Putin and his gang.

When he was in Moscow on Thursday 28 February last - the day when the trial of 19 militants from the Russian Socialist Movement (revolutionary Marxists and Trotskyists), the Left Front of Russia (in opposition to the Communist Party) and Autonomous Action (libertarian communists) started - François Hollande kept quiet in the name of the superior interests of French companies who do business with Russia.

For this it was important to speak out against him. These three organizations have played an important role in the increase in street protests, with the Russian State increasing the number of arrests, house arrests, bans on leaving Russian territory, imprisonment and trials against them.

In his speech, Laurent Esquerre of Alternative Libertaire emphasized the conditions in which Russian trade-unionist, ecologist, anti-racist, anti-fascist and anti-capitalist militants have to struggle: wildcat strikes, organizing public actions and gatherings in a state of semi-clandestinity, the murder of several militants by the extreme right whose impunity is assured by the Putin government.

The demonstrators called for a greater mobilization throughout France and throughout the rest of the world in support of the liberation of the Russian radical left militants and the dropping of charges against them.

AL International Secretariat

Translated by FdCA - International Relations Office.