Erstellt am: 7. 12. 2011 - 14:48 Uhr

Are we really that stupid?

Russians challenge election rigging. Also on Reality Check: OH study, US support for gay rights, Colin Crouch, Whale watching

Protests are continuing after Sunday's elections, so who are the protesters and what groups do they represent?

There are pro- and anti-United Russia demonstrators on the streets, but the police only seem to be arresting one side. This may not be surprising, but what might be surprising is that one observer who went to bed on Sunday night having seen the Communists win his local poll, with the results all officially signed and sealed, woke up on Monday to find that the votes has been mysteriously recounted in favour of United Russia.

Under a system where a party has to receive at least 7% support gain seats in the parliament, the number of recognised parties is small - so, not surprisingly, a great many of the protesters are supporting non-recognised individuals or parties.

One thing is becoming very clear. Russians are rapidly losing confidence in their electoral process, and the strong-arm tactics that might have silenced them in the Soviet years are not going to work in the Internet era. While the state media may still be under Kremlin control, Russia has a vibrant and strong minded blogosphere that operates largely outside official channels. If Vladimir Putin is thinking he can fix election results and get away with it - it might be his fatal mistake. As our Moscow correspondent, Charles Maynes, says, the Russians are not going to be taken for fools.

ÖH Survey

The Austrian Students' Union has just published a survey on students' opinions on the subjects offered at Austrian universities.The main focus was on subjected connected with history and politics, and Riem Higazi spoke to the ÖH's Angelika Gruber to find out what the study revealed.

US pledges support to gay-rights movements

The US says it will use foreign aid and diplomacy to fight anti-gay discrimination around the world. However, the money pledged is just 3 million dollars - a pittance on the scale of US foreign aid. Our Washington DC correspondent, Priscilla Huff, explains what is behind the sudden interest in gay rights.

Colin Crouch on today's key issues

Renowned sociologist Colin Crouch gives his gut reactions to today's burning issues.

Whale watching

NOAA's National Ocean Service

Chris Cummins goes whale watching in Sydney and discovers the magic of these magnificent creatures.

The WWF says that whale watching is a vital part of creating public awareness of the importance of preserving the environment.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.