Putin uses sport for propaganda of the idea of greatness of the Russian Empire as Hitler did for the Third Reich propaganda in 1936 when he covered the Olympic complex in Berlin with Nazi banners, and promoted Aryan athleticism.
See also: Hitler and Putin. The Rise of Evil. Infographic
Putin as his idol Joseph Stalin also considers the TV and show is the key to control the masses. During 15 years Putin’s administration has been building the system of court artists: actors, producers, singers and artists. At the same time the artists who dare to criticize the Putin’s autocratic system are under pressure and subjected to persecution.
Here there is a list of people from Putin’s surrounding during F1 in Sochi, October 12, 2014 (click to see full size)
(all photos below are clickable)
1. Alexander Rosenbaum. Popular Russian singer. He is best known as an interpreter of the criminal song genre.
2. Steven Seagal. American actor, film producer, screenwriter, film director, martial artist, musician and entrepreneur.
3. Viktor Medvedchuk. Ukrainian pro-Russian politician, lawyer, and business oligarch. Vladimir Putin is the godfather of Medvedchuk’s daughter Darina. Medvedchuk represented pro-Russian separatists at the negotiations about ceasefire in 2014.
4. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. 1st King of Bahrain (since 14 February 2002), having previously been its 2nd Emir of Bahrain.
5. Vladimir Putin. President of Russia.
6. Bernie Ecclestone. Chief executive of the Formula One Group.
7. Jean Todt. French motor sport executive.
8. Viktor Kiryanov. Deputy Secretary of Head of Police Russian Federation.
9. Valentin Yudashkin. Russian fashion designer.
10. Stanislav Govorukhin. Has been one of the most popular Soviet and Russian film directors since the 1960s.
11. Iosif Prigozhin. Russian producer. Husband of Valeria.
12. Valeriya. Russian popular singer.
13. Vladimir Vinokur. Russian actor and comedian. He was awarded the Meritorious Artist in 1984 and the People’s Artist of the RSFSR in 1988.
14. Igor Nikolayev. Russian composer, singer and song-writer.
15. Natasha Koroleva. Russian popular singer.
16. Timati. Russian rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, actor and entrepreneur.
17. Nadezhda Babkina. Russian popular folk singer and actress.
18. Dmitry Medvedev. Prime Minister of Russia, ex-President of Russia.
See also: Reuters: Putin presents Russian passport to Hollywood actor Seagal
