We, the Movement of "Autonomous Action", are starting public campaign to protect people in our country, who have suffered from abuse and illegal acts, perpetrated by the so-called "Center E" - that is anti-extremist division of the Department of Internal Affairs – and other law enforcement departments. We urge everyone join us in this campaign! If you agree with the aims of that manifesto, please, take part in the protest campaign!
What "Center E" is, and why we stand in opposition to it
A few years ago Russian authorities created special anti-extremist divisions, they were called Centres "E" for simplicity. Their aim is to fight and prevent extremism. They are staffed by former members of the (now closed) division of organized crime of Internal Affairs Ministry (Russian abbreviation was UBOP). But in reality "E" Centres have already showed themselves as organizations, that are really dangerous to society. These structures abuse the law and violate human rights. Inexactness of the term "extremism" allows to treat every action of civil disobedience as extremist. Trying to gain praise and attention of higher authorities "E" centres (with help from russian secret police - Federal Security Service (FSB) and prosecutor's department) are pressing political opposition and social activists more and more frequently. Any critisism of government's activity, disclosure of officials' corruption, fighting with police brutality and even the quotation of famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky, who said "The rights are not given, they are taken", can be easily estimated as "extremism" and inciting social discord. The ruling clique of officials finds it convenient to blame opposition, nonconformist, dissatisfied and critical citizens for extremism, because of inexact tasks of "E" centres and too general character of "anti-extremist” legislation. Former employees of UBOP, who are used to applying such methods as beating suspects and planting drugs on innocent ones, now are interrogating participants of social movements. Thus, "E" centres have become political police under the guidance of authorities. The example of Pikalevo shows, that social protest is the only way for common people to protect their rights. However actions for social rights are regarded as "extremism" more and more often. The obvious consequence of that will be the growth of corruption, deterioration of living conditions and further lawlessness of officials and authorities.
Our demands:
- Immediate closure of "E" centres. They are corrupted, socially dangerous organizations that violate human rights and threaten health, interests and personal safety of every human being in our country.
- Removal the term "extremism" from legislation as it is legally meaningless and creates opportunities for the authorities to repress any manifestations of dissent. It generates a lot of abuse, allows corrupted union of authority and business to shut up unsatisfied people. Down with the political police! Moreover, we demand the abolition of federal law #114 ("About Fighting Against Extremist Activity"), since it is this very article that defines the term “extremism”.
- Ceasure of all prosecutions of social and political activists for the so-called "extremist" crimes. Prosecutions of social movement's participants must be immediately stopped! Say "NO" to repressions against the inhabitants of the country!
- We want to live by our rights for freedom of speech, assembly, press and criticism of the authorities! We claim respect for social rights and guarantees! We urge you to exercise your rights without prior arrangement, through direct action, without asking the authorities and, if necessary - in spite of them!
How to start
If you agree with the general liberal, if not quite anti-authoritarian, idea of this mainfesto, and you are ready to fight for your rights, do not wait any further - join the campaign! You can support actions against "E" centres in your area. You can organize your own actions to support an All-Russian campaign. This can take the form of meetings, vigils, rallies, demonstrations, press conferences, exhibitions, leaflets, graffiti, stickers, and of course - direct action of any kind. Only mass protest pressure and solidarity can yield positive results. If officials understand that "E" centres and "anti-extremist legislation" provoke protests, discredit the government and escalate the situation - they will have to surrender! Combine efforts to develop ties of solidarity with those who are close to you, and help each other! We propose the horizontal structure of human relations in opposition to parasitic bureaucratic and oligarchic “power line” vertical! Don't be affraid to fight for your rights and interests, don't be afraid to speak openly and loudly the truth about authorities, don't be afraid to fight for yourself and for those you care about! Down with "E" centers, down with repression! People united will never be divided!
"Autonomous Action" Movement