May 1 in Moscow: A troika of protest groups
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mayıs 02, 2006 10:26
May 1 celebrations and protests in Moscow in these years following the breakup of the Soviet Union involve a wide spectrum of interpretations of this day set aside to recognize workers. Three main tones were set in yesterday's celebrations in the Russian capital:
1) The old Communists who have now lost almost everything, and who claim to gain nothing from the new government in power. This group marched under traditional red flags, wearing World War II medals.
2) The new nationalists, also marching under Communist flags, marching while shouting slogans like "Russia belongs to the Russians," and reminding viewers a bit of Hitler's Germany.
3) Members of the new Russian Labor Union, who also marched under a red flag, but whose show was a more light-hearted one, and accompanied by accordian music.
In the chaotic atmosphere of May 1 celebrations and protests in Moscow, there was a demonstration towards the end of the day by a union of gay marchers, whose very presence showed just how much Russia has changed over the years. Though this group was challenged by a large group holding nationalistic flags and Orthodox Christian symbols, police intervened to prevent clashes from occuring.
2) The new nationalists, also marching under Communist flags, marching while shouting slogans like "Russia belongs to the Russians," and reminding viewers a bit of Hitler's Germany.
3) Members of the new Russian Labor Union, who also marched under a red flag, but whose show was a more light-hearted one, and accompanied by accordian music.
In the chaotic atmosphere of May 1 celebrations and protests in Moscow, there was a demonstration towards the end of the day by a union of gay marchers, whose very presence showed just how much Russia has changed over the years. Though this group was challenged by a large group holding nationalistic flags and Orthodox Christian symbols, police intervened to prevent clashes from occuring.