Russia against corruption

Although anti-corruption investigations produced indisputable evidence that Russian officials are involved in criminal activity, no inquiries were made about politically reliable billionaires, the source of their money, and the ways they run their businesses.

Sleaze has become the norm in Russia. Putin’s supporting force – the “United Russia” party better known in our country as the “party of thieves and crooks”, feel free to do anything they consider to be right, as Putin acts according to Augusto Pinochet maxim "The day the they touch one of my men, the rule of law is over."

Activists face torture, prison terms and murder (Sergey Magnitsky) in their quest for justice. However, we can stop the Kremlin's repressions and turn over a new leaf.

Next month, Mr.Putin will host global CEOs and world leaders at a summit designed as a showcase of a modern, business-friendly Russia.

He hopes to boost Russia's prestige and attract foreign investment. This will happen less than a month after the state tortured, harassed and condemned three members of a punk group Pussy Riot, despite a worldwide call for clemency. They were accused of inciting sectarian strife while they performed a political act, and it was obvious to everyone that 2 years in prison is a personal revenge of Putin. Another 16 people – the so-called “prisoners of Bolotnaya” as they were accused of mass riots on Bolotnaya square during a peaceful demonstration against Putin on May 6th, which turned into clashes with police, provoked by illegal actions of police, are still held hostage by the Government.

Finally, the APEC CEO Summit chair is Andrey Kostin - president and chairman of the Board of bank “VTB”. Anti-corruption investigation of my team proved him to be involved in embezzlement and fraud. Though this information is freely available with all the evidence and documentation, Kostin was not accused and his business thrive.

We hope that the global leaders and businessmen would bу able to persuade Mr. Putin that the enemy of the state number one is corruption, not a punk stunt or 16 activists, fighting for their rights.

They should make it clear that the weaker is the rule of law in Russia, the fewer friends Mr. Putin will find to do business with.

Sign now to show Mr.Putin he’s picked a fight with millions across Russia and the world, and to make our voices heard by the global leaders and businessmen as they prepare for the summit.

Alexey Navalny