The current political situation in Russia often becomes the subject of discussion not only for foreign politicians, but also for public figures and other famous people. In particular, the English actor Stephen Fry made his comment on the advisability of holding the next Olympic Games in Russia.
The essence and reasons for Stephen Fry's statement
On August 7, Stephen Fry posted an open letter on his website. It was addressed to British Prime Minister David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee. The main content of the message is a proposal to transfer the upcoming 2014 Olympic Games from Russia to another country.
As the main reason for this opinion, Stephen Fry cites the situation related to human rights in Russia, in particular, with the rights of sexual minorities. In 2013, on the basis of regulations that previously existed in individual subjects of the federation, a federal law was adopted prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality. The British actor in his address opposes this legislative initiative, believing that with its help the Russian state was able to condemn almost any open gay.
However, the letter condemns not only the adopted laws, but also the existing practice in Russia of the attitude of the forces of law and order towards homosexuals. Stephen Fry believes that the prejudice of the police and the lack of protection of homosexuals from harassment are provoked by the position of the elite in relation to sexual minorities.
In connection with these facts, Stephen Fry draws a direct analogy between the 1936 Olympics, which was held in Nazi Germany, and the current situation with the Sochi Olympics. He believes that holding the Olympics will give the current president of Russia confidence in the correctness of his political course, including towards sexual minorities.
It should be noted that Stephen Fry's open letter is based, among other things, on his own observations. Shortly before writing the appeal, Stephen, himself declaring his homosexuality, came to Russia to meet with Vitaly Milonov, a member of the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly, who initiated the adoption of a law against the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations in St. Petersburg.
Reaction to Stephen Fry's Speech and Other Opinions on Hosting the Olympic Games in Russia
Stephen Fry's speech caused an active reaction from the Russian public. The Foreign Ministry responded to the open letter with a message that politics and the Olympic movement should not be confused, separately noting the need to respect Russian laws. Sports officials also made a statement noting that gay people who came to the Olympics should not fear prosecution under recent legislation.
Many Internet and print media published Fry's statement on their pages, and this topic was also widely discussed in the Russian blogosphere and on forums.
It should be noted that, although Stephen Fry was not the first known person to speak out against the holding of the Olympic Games in Russia, foreign officials for the most part do not express proposals to boycott or postpone the next Winter Olympic Games.
