Russian Public Opinion 2007 - A Study by the Levada Research Center
In June 2008, the Левада (Levada) Research Center released the ninth edition of its annual report on Russian public opinion, for the year 2007. The nineteenth section of the report is specifically concerned with ethnic relations in Russia, and the Russians' attitudes towards foreigners.
June 2008. Monthly summary
In June 2008, no less than 7 attacks of racist and neo-nationalist character were recorded, as the result of which no less than 13 people suffered. Like in May, let us underline that most likely we are not dealing with a real reduction in the activity of the skinheads but with lack of information. In June, incidents were recorded in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd, Lipetsk, Nizhniy Novgorod, and Yaroslavl.
May 2008: Monthly Results
In May 2008, there were at least 13 attacks on individuals, which left 4 people dead and as many as 14 injured. We can note a reduction in skinhead activities, compared to previous
months. However, it is important to stress that media neglect is the reason for such apparent decrease in the number of hate crimes.
April 2008: Monthly Results
There were at least 24 racist and Neo-Nazi assaults in April 2008, leaving 6 people dead and at least 38 injured. These numbers do not include the victims of the mass scuffle in the Tver Region, which occurred on April 5, because we are unsure of the nationalistic motivation of the participants. Apart from Moscow, the attacks took place in Vladivostok, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Penza, Ryazan, and Stavropol.
The Neo-Nazi groups threaten State and Public Officials
In March 2008, radical right websites started to circulate a list of Chief Justices, including their home addresses and personal information. The list later expanded to include personal data on high-ranking procuracy officials, MIA (MVD) employees, as well as public figures and scientists who work on the problem of xenophobia in Russia. A number of radical right websites posted the web-link to the list, accompanied by direct threats of violence and even murder.