This is a unique copy of a Solzhenitsyn manuscript which is now on display in the media library of Crest. The document had been given by the wife of the Russian writer to the municipality, which decided to send it on Saturday to the media library, on the occasion of its twenty years. While the war in Ukraine has lasted 24 days, it is quite a symbol for Mayor Hervé Mariton.
In the copied manuscript, Alexander Solzhenitsyn compares the Russian and French revolutions. Hervé Mariton, specialist in Russia, for 15 years involved in the France-Russia friendship group at the National Assemblymoves away from it and gives this Saturday a reading of the Stockholm speech.
“Solzhenitsyn’s message makes more sense than ever today” considers the mayor, faced with the war in Ukraine which continues. “He foresaw this risk of violence between Ukraine and Russia, ‘this war I will not take part in and I will forbid each of my children to take part in it’. Solzhenitsyn had precisely said that” says Hervé Mariton.
Like many Russians, Solzhenitsyn had Ukrainian origins – Hervé Mariton
“I simply thought on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Crest media library, located in Solzhenitsyn Square, that it was important to hear from a Russian writer who is a freedom fighter” explains the mayor, “against the absurdity of a war between two peoples so closely related. _In this great time of sympathy for Ukraine, hearing from a Russian freedom fighter writer is an even more powerful message._“ he believes.
– Damien Triumph
Do not break with Russian culture
If it was planned that this document be given to the media library well before the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the opportunity is now for Hervé Mariton to send a message: we must not turn our backs on the Russian people. “I have spoken publicly and written op-eds many times against Putin. At the same time, I am a committed Russia lover, Russian-speaking, Russian-speaking and Russian-speaking.”
The movement to ban Russian musicians and artists is stupid – Hervé Mariton
“Fortunately there are Russian freedom fighters” assures the mayor of Crest, “and one of the challenges today if we want the disaster to stop is not to break with Russian civil society. _There are a number of people in Russia who are courageously taking a stand against the war with Ukraine, against the tyranny exercised by Vladimir Putin._“ Hervé Mariton calls for support. “By reading Solzhenitsyn, seen from Crest, modestly, we want to contribute to this”.