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Friday, February 3, 2012

Russians Plan Protests To Demand Free And Fair Elections

Communist party supporters shout anti government slogans during a rally protesting alleged vote rigging in Russia's elections after they visited the mausoleum of Lenin to mark the 88th anniversary of his death at Moscow's Red Square, Russia, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. (AP)

“Putin Go Away,” is what a banner hanging in front of the Kremlin says ahead of this weekend’s scheduled protests this weekend in Russia.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood the streets to demand that next month’s presidential elections be free and fair.

Putin, who is now prime minister, served two terms as president, but he’s running again and it’s assumed he’ll win. Fraud allegations marred the parliamentary vote in December that was won by his party, sparking a spate of huge demonstrations.

Guest:

  • James Coomarasamy, reporter for the BBC who has been traveling around Russia this week gauging the public mood

 

Other stories from Friday's show

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Morehouse College President Talks Controversies, Challenges
Dr. John S. Wilson, Jr. is president of Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Morehouse College)

President Obama delivers the commencement address this weekend at Morehouse College, the all-male historically black college. The school’s president discusses recent controversies and challenges.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
Jails Become De Facto Psychiatric Wards
Mark with Houston at Houston's high school graduation in 2009. (Courtesy of Mac McClelland)

Failures in mental health care mean that often the only way to get help for a loved one is to call the police. We speak with a journalist about the tragic consequences for her family.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013
‘Here & Now’ Interview Inspires Hit Country Song
"I Drive Your Truck" screenshot.

In 2011, a Nashville songwriter heard Alex Ashlock’s interview with Paul Monti, who lost his son in Afghanistan. It inspired her to write “I Drive Your Truck.”

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