Mari protest

A beekeeping Russian minority is campaigning for its human rights. The Mari people number about three-quarters of a million, just under half living in Mari El, an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation. Bee-keeping is major business in the region. An international appeal for support has been launched.

With average winter temperatures of -64F, it's a tough place of pine forests, bogs and berries -- but obviously good for nectar, and, I'd bet, propolis.

According to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization:

In January 1997 presidential elections were held in the Republic of Mari. In the final round of the elections, both final candidates were Russians who did not speak the Mari language. The elections were won by V Kislitsy. Since the beginning of his term, many Mari officials have been removed from key positions in society and have been replaced by Russians.