The head of United Russia's State Duma fraction Andrei Vorobyov proposed Tuesday that the other parties in the Duma sign a statement declaring the need to prevent an "orange scenario, revolutions and outside interference."
Vorobyov called the proposal "extremely important for the country, for those who want peace, consequent stable growth and changes that will solve problems," according to comments carried by the United Russia press service.
The Duma majority party leader said it could be inferred that the other parties represented in parliament did not want to support the initiative, though no official refusal has been issued. Vorovyov implied that the initiative was something supported by a majority of Russians.
An "anti-orange" rally was held Saturday at Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow that drew tens of thousands of demonstrators, who waved signs declaring support for Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Speakers at the event uttered grave warnings regarding the threat of Western influence in Russian political affairs, referencing Ukraine's Orange Revolution, which overturned the controversial 2004 election of pro-Russian presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych and which Yanukovych's supporters said was instigated by Western governments.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
