One cannot look at these facts without admiration and, at the same time, bitterness: they show how Russia’s civil society treats its true heroes with such reverence. Much suggests that a great deal of time has passed, that the danger has only increased, and that the tragedy has long taken on far greater масштабы — including geographical ones. Yet people again and again defend the right to an honorable memory: even if it is only a “small memorial,” it remains an important sign of dignity and resistance to oblivion.

At the same time, the persistence and vileness of what is happening seem to point not only to hatred but also — possibly — to the material vested interests of those opposing this memory. Still, we can say with pride: as long as citizens do not give up, they remain citizens.

Details from the news

A plaque in memory of journalist Anna Politkovskaya on the wall of a building on Lesnaya Street in Moscow was restored for the 22nd time, according to SOTAvision (citing its correspondent). Unknown individuals also painted over the stencil inscription at the site of the broken original plaque.

The plaque was first smashed on January 18; responsibility was claimed by neo-Nazis from NS/WP. Later, a local resident admitted destroying a temporary wooden plaque, saying it had “always bothered” her. Activists then installed new plaques, which unknown people continue to destroy.

Politkovskaya, a journalist for Novaya Gazeta, was shot dead on October 7, 2006 in the elevator of her home in Moscow. She wrote about the war in Chechnya and abuses by the authorities, and investigated the attacks in Beslan and at the Nord-Ost theater. Only the perpetrators and organizers were identified; the masterminds were never named.

Source: ASTRA Telegram channel.