Lukashenka’s ‘Exit Visas’

The Kremlin regime adopts the repressive practices of the Belarusian dictator.

Belarus is preparing to pass a law prohibiting leaving the country “if it is contrary to national interests”. In Russia, such measures are still only being discussed. Here we must remember that in terms of repressions against its population, the Kremlin regime is watching Aliaksandr Lukashenka, adopting the most successful practices. With some delay, of course.

Putin keeps a close eye on how the repressive measures will work in Belarus — and only then tightens the screws in Russia. Now is the right moment: having distracted everyone’s attention with the talks about the need for mobilization, he can cancel one more achievement of the past era — the freedom of entry and exit.

And this is not about tourism, as it may seem to a naive Russian. This is about the right to study and work, the right to live one life with the whole normal world. And the population of Russia will soon have to give up the unconditionalness of this right. If you want to get a job, for example in the NHL or in a Turkish resort, go ask permission. If you don't get it, don't fly up.

However, for those who renounced the right to choose their government, did not support those who fought for the right to assemble and the right to freedom of speech, did not defend the right to private property, who allows the authorities to bomb the peaceful cities of a neighboring country — does it really make sense to grieve for the rights that are only about to be taken away?

Leonid Nevzlin, Telegram