VIDEO Putin Bans His Election Opponent

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Putin Bans His Election Opponent In a recent video titled "Putin Bans His Election Opponent," the hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks discuss the state of democracy in Russia as the country gears up for its elections on March 18, 2018. The conversation highlights how President Vladimir Putin's administration is increasingly cracking down on political opposition and media freedom in a bid to maintain control over the electoral process.

Key Points Discussed:​

1. New Foreign Agents Law: Putin has initiated a foreign agents law that targets any media company with foreign ties operating in Russia. This legislation is framed as a protective measure against foreign interference but is viewed as a tactic to stifle dissent and suppress independent media.
2. Political Landscape: The hosts emphasize that Putin's re-election is almost a foregone conclusion as opposition candidates, most notably Alexei Navalny, are systematically barred from the electoral process. Navalny, an outspoken critic of Putin, faces various legal challenges that impede his ability to run, despite his successful appeals in European courts regarding wrongful convictions.
3. Comparison of Elections: Uygur and Kasparian draw parallels between the political situations in Russia and other countries, suggesting that while the methods may vary, the presence of 'false choices' in elections—candidates pre-approved by the ruling elite—is a common thread.
4. Oppression of Opposition: The video poignantly covers the risks faced by those who oppose Putin, including exile, mysterious deaths, and arbitrary criminal charges, highlighting the grave consequences of dissent in Putin's Russia.
5. Absence of True Democracy: The discussion culminates with a stark assertion that there is no real democracy in Russia, deeming Putin a dictator rather than a legitimate democratic leader. This video serves as a critical illustration of the current political climate in Russia, providing a thorough analysis of the challenges faced by those seeking genuine democratic representation against an authoritarian regime.
   

   Community Engagement​

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