Russian Protester, Family Stripped of Citizenship

NOV 3 2022·UPDATED NOV 3 2022

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Image copyright: Reuters [via Al Jazeera]

The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

Though millions of Russians are opposed to the Ukraine war, Makichyan's public protests were a rare sight — especially since Putin decided to invade Ukraine and criminalize dissent. This is another example of Russia's Soviet-style crackdown, aimed at instilling fear in those who oppose the regime.

openDemocracy

Pro-Russia narrative

The West may claim that Makichyan is a victim of a uniquely Russian form of suppression, but other countries revoke dual citizenship status for taking a pro-Russia stance in the Ukraine war. Moldova, for example, has threatened its Russian dual citizens with prison time or citizenship revocation if they choose to fight for Russia.

Balkan Insight