Vologda, Russia – An ex-kickboxer preaching Orthodox traditions who has effectively banned abortion and declared war on alcohol: Ultra-conservative Gov. Georgy Filimonov is the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule in the country’s Vologda region.
Accused of authoritarianism and trampling women’s rights, Filimonov will represent the ruling United Russia party in this month’s tightly-controlled parliamentary elections.
The 46-year-old nationalistic regional leader has built up a reputation for his outspoken views and made national headlines.
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