Based on Idel.Realii publication, 15.08.2019

Photo: Ruslan Zinatullin

On 15 August, activists of the Tatarstan branch of the Yabloko party held an action “I Want Changes” in the centrer of Kazan. Yabloko members and supporters conducted a series of one-person pickets that do not require a permission from the authorities. The action was timed to the day of memory of Soviet singer and songwriter Viktor Tsoi (who died on 15 August, 1990), who became in icon of the Russian rock during perestroika years. Many of his songs are about freedom and lines from his verse are often quoted in today’s Russia.

Ruslan Zinatullin, Chairman of the Tatarstan branch of Yabloko, stood with a banner “Our hearts demand changes”. Activist Gulnaz Ravilova held a poster with a quote from Viktor Tsoi’s song “I was waiting for this time, and now this time has come. Those who were silent ceased to be silent”. Yelena Izotova stood with a placard, “If there is a herd, there is a shepherd, if there is a body, there must be a spirit”. In addition, activists handed out leaflets to the citizens of Kazan with the words “Our hearts demand changes”.

Photo:Gulnaz Ravilova

“Today we held a series of one-person pickets in Kazan and, using the lines from the songs of the idol of millions, reminded Kazan about the importance of struggle for our freedom,” said the activists of the party’s regional branch.

Photo: Yelena Izotova

According to the activists, “With the death of the singer, the songs have not lost their relevance and still personify a protest against the regime for many people. Many of Viktor Tsoi’s compositions are performed by contemporary artists in a new arrangement”.

The action was dedicated to the 29th anniversary of the death of Viktor Tsoi.

Based on Idel.Realii publication.