E40: Mikhail Svetov

The past three episodes of The Russia Guy have been devoted to the technical details surrounding Russian Internet censorship, but today’s show focuses on one of the organizers of Monday’s Internet freedom rally in Moscow. Kevin spoke to Mikhail Svetov, a member of the Russian Libertarian Party’s federal committee.So what are you going to learn on today’s episode? Mikhail told me how Monday’s Internet freedom rally came together, and explained the organizing role his political party played. We talked a bit about the Russian Libertarian Party and its relationship with Telegram founder Pavel Durov and opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Mikhail also summarized his speech at Monday’s demonstration, explaining what he’s all about politically. And finally he shared his expectations for Internet freedom in Russia, which he says has only grim prospects, if the protest movement now beginning in Moscow doesn’t get smart or get lucky. You can find Mikhail Svetov on Twitter at Msvetov. Mikhail tweets and video blogs mostly in Russian, but as you’ll hear he speaks marvelous English.https://twitter.com/msvetovIf you enjoy this podcast, consider pledging a little dough to help with sound recording, editing, and hosting costs:www.patreon.com/kevinrothrockSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/kevinrothrock)