Gorbachev: Russia can not to beat down democracy
Soviet ex-president Mikhail Gorbachev speaks during a press conference in Moscow on August 17, 2011.
Mikhail Gorbachev said there will be more unrest in Russia, despite President Vladimir Putin's crackdown on free speech, unless the nation continues on its path toward democracy.
The former Soviet leader said in a lecture on Saturday "the authorities have managed to beat down the wave of protest for a while, but the problems have not disappeared. If everything remains as before, they will escalate," RIA news agency reported.
The 82-year-old added if the government does not continue with reform "we [will] face a new attempt by Russian society to move to real democracy and it will be of historic significance."
More from GlobalPost: Putin orders unexpected military drills in Black Sea
This week, Russian authorities raided the offices of international non-governmental organizations and ordered military exercises in the Black Sea, which critics said were attempts to consolidate Putin's hold on power.
More from GlobalPost: Russia raids NGOs
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.