http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/russia/101213/soccer-hooligans-far-right-violenceA surge of far-right nationalist violence is sweeping through Russia, leaving at least two dead and dozens injured in recent days as soccer hooligans led by neo-Nazi groups capitalize on a wave of discontent.
On Dec. 11, at least 5,000 men and women flooded Moscow's Manezh Square, just outside the Kremlin, flashing Nazi salutes and shouting racist slogans. They savagely beat passersby who looked as though they were from central Asia or the Caucasus, Russia’s mainly Muslim southern region. At least 20 people were hospitalized. One man is reported to have died from his injuries.
The Russian government has long tolerated far-right nationalist groups. Every year, they are allowed to gather for an annual rally. This year was no exception, and the far-right Slavic Union gathered 5,000 people despite the fact that it was technically banned last year. While the neo-Nazis are given permission to march, similar requests from the liberal opposition are routinely rejected.
Government officials have at times played to populist fears over immigrants and migrant laborers, particularly in the wake of the financial crisis, when unemployment skyrocketed. Moscow’s new mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, has made that a key platform since coming to power two months ago, saying he believed Muscovites should be given priority when it comes to jobs.
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We just spent a few days in Moscow and St Petersburg last month. Had a very enjoyable time, but I have to say that they are the "whitest" cities I have ever been in. No city in Europe or Canada (or obviously the US) can compare.
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