Across the country, Russians frustrated by factory emissions, dilapidated housing, and pollution are turning to the president for help. After their complaints to prosecutors, local officials, and police go unanswered, they record public video appeals to Vladimir Putin — hoping someone in power will finally listen. But instead of holding polluters and officials accountable, the Russian authorities go after the people who speak out — summoning them for questioning, fining them, and pressing criminal charges. The independent Okno project looked into just what happens when ordinary Russians go public with their grievances. Meduza shares an abridged English-language version of their findings.
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