Russian political opposition leader Alexei Navalny and American journalist Evan Gershkovich discuss the brutal conditions inside Russian prisons. The podcast also delves into the challenges of transitioning away from oil dependence and pays tribute to an Israeli luthier who restored violins from the Holocaust.
Russian prisons aim to instill fear through torture and isolation, hindering prisoners' basic human rights.
Transitioning from oil to combat climate change requires aggressive policies to overcome industry resistance and promote alternatives like electric vehicles.
Deep dives
Russian Penal System Conditions
In the Russian penal system, the conditions can vary drastically, from somewhat tolerable to horrific. Some prisoners have access to electronic mail and can order food, while others endure extreme solitary confinement. The purpose of Russian prisons is to instill fear and break individuals' wills. The system employs various forms of torture and humiliation, including physical abuse, isolation, and silence.
Challenges in Moving Away from Oil
Global temperatures have exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, prompting the need to transition away from oil to address climate change. However, the transition is challenging due to increasing oil demand, the industry's resistance to change, and insufficient policies to promote alternatives like electric vehicles and energy efficiency. Without aggressive measures, the world may face a prolonged dependence on oil.
Violins of Hope: Restoring Holocaust-Era Violins
Annon Weinstein embarked on a mission to restore violins that survived the Holocaust, each carrying a poignant story of its owner's struggle and resilience. These violins were played in unimaginable circumstances, some even containing messages of defiance against Nazi oppression. Weinstein's initiative, Violins of Hope, aims to honor the silenced voices of those who perished by giving these instruments new life through concerts and performances, ensuring their stories are heard and remembered.
Alexei Navalny was sent to one to die and American journalist Evan Gershkovich is being held in another. Our correspondent reports on the notorious brutality of Russia’s prisons. Without the right policies, undoing years of dependency on oil will take much longer than hoped (11:03). And a tribute to the Israeli luthier who restored violins from the Holocaust (18:53).