The Farce of Putin’s “Green” Olympics

The Sochi Winter Olympics was staged by a corrupt dictator who is one of the world’s worst environmental criminals. Before the games began Russian President Vladimir Putin jailed environmentalists Yevgeny Vitishko, and Igor Kharchenko. As the games got underway two members of the anti-Putin band Pussy Riot  (Maria Alekhina and Nadezdha Tolokonnikova) were also returned to prison on trumped up robbery charges. In hindsight it is ironic that Russia’s winning Olympic bid was awarded based on the promise of being the most environmentally friendly Games ever. The Sochi Olympics have proven to be about as green as their democracy is fair.

Russia’s Olympics are an ongoing ecological catastrophe that extends far beyond silencing dissent. Their environmental crimes include the farce of its “zero waste” claims. The Sochi Games are also tainted by the destruction of animal habitats, National Parks and wetlands. Even the pretext of democracy has worn thin in Russia and as one of Pussy Riot’s lyrics states, “Putin will teach you to love the motherland.” Whether we are talking about environmental advocacy, political satire or sexual freedom, there is no room for dissent in Putin’s Russia.