Why We Should Care About Pussy Riot
Friday was not a good day for Russian civil society. On just one day, the country’s increasingly conservative agenda and authoritarian forces orchestrated three excessive incursions on civil rights, equality and freedom of expression.
The most prominent among these worrying incidents was the harsh sentence handed down in the show trial against Russian punk band Pussy Riot. The weight of the system was brought down on the heads of three young Russian women after they dared to protest against Putin’s escalating influence over state, religion and the legislature.
On the same day, Madonna was hit with a multi-million pound law suit for ‘morally damaging’ the sensitive people of St Petersburg, and a Moscow court upheld a ban on Gay Pride Parades in the city… for the next one hundred years.
Warm Welcome Softens The Blow For Serbian Boxer
A hero’s homecoming was awaiting Serbia’s athletes when they arrived back from the Olympic Games. In scenes reminiscent of Djokovic’s triumphant return as Wimbledon champion, tens of thousands of well-wishers filled Belgrade city centre to show their praise and respect for the athletes’ performance in London and to see the medals won there.
That so many people turned out to cheer their return went a long way to soften the blow of disappointment for Olympic boxer Aleksandar Drenovak. Hearts were filled with hope when the nation’s favourite young middleweight won his first fight against Ecuador’s Suarez Delgado, but those hopes were shattered when he was out-classed by Turkey’s Adem Kilicci.
“I must tell you, I am not satisfied with my result at the games,’ he told Wild Rooster. “I came thirteenth. I gave my best in the moment but I could have done better. I am better than that.
Serbian Land of Sunflowers, Corn And Honey
Peel away the petals of a rose and yet more lovely petals can be exposed. Beauty that would have been missed by just enjoying the flower at first glace could be revealed by peering beneath the surface. The same could be said of Serbia, a land to be enjoyed not just for its cities and nightlife but also for the wealth and variety that reward a little extra effort.
People can be amazed to learn that Serbia is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, varied cultures and even multiple ethnicities. Hosting such a rich mix of historical and cultural influences is what helps to make this country and its welcoming communities so rewarding. For many visitors to Serbia, this can be one of the most surprising things to discover in a country about which they know quite little. It can also be one of the most fulfilling gifts that Serbia can offer any casual visitor or tourist.
The Party’s Over, Let The Hard Work Begin
The London 2012 Olympic Games were a triumph. Nobody can dispute that London rose to the tremendous challenge and hosted a Games that was enjoyed as much by athletes in the Olympic Village as it was valued by the many millions who watched on screen. Memories that will endure beyond a generation were forged in the passion and determination displayed on track, field and pool.
All good things must end and, after more than two weeks of inspirational performances and countless displays of sporting excellence, the spectacular Olympic party is over. The decorations are coming down, the athletes have all gone home, and the big clean up has already started. Even the Olympic venues have been transformed to await the start of the Paralympic Games, next week, when even more new heroes will be made.
