How Putin’s crackdown on dissent became the hallmark of the Russian leader’s 24 years in power

By DASHA LITVINOVA
Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Over the last decade, Vladimir Putin’s government has evolved from tolerating dissent to ruthlessly suppressing any activities or people who dared challenge it. Arrests, trials and lengthy prison terms have become especially common in the last two years, after Putin sent troops into Ukraine, and his security and law enforcement apparatus went after those who spoke out against it. Along with its political opponents, the Kremlin also went after prominent rights activists, critical media outlets and even social groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the country’s most prominent human rights group, says “Russia is no longer an authoritarian state – it is a totalitarian state.”