Russian officials told to educate the opposition away

Perhaps the key to last weekend’s anti-corruption protests in Russia was simply a lack of understanding? That’s what Russian officials have been told.

Regional leaders throughout the country have been urged to put an end to ignorance and meet with local children in order to “better educate” them on the government’s fight against corruption.

The appeal to leaders came from a letter from the Russian Academic Fund, which is headed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nephew. Sent to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the letter calls for the government to hold dedicated open days for schoolchildren.

“We would advise paying special attention to explaining anti-corruption policies,” reads the letter, which highlights that officials should explain how their decisions “improve the quality of life for Russian citizens”.

The Russian police arrested hundreds of people in nationwide anti-corruption protests on Sunday, with demonstrations taking place in over 80 cities. The protests were sparked by an investigation by opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Fund, which claimed that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev had coordinated a huge corruption scheme. Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the protests.

Source: The Moscow Times