Russian officials do not often meet the demands of protestors or answer the calls of news media, observers note. So, the decision last week to release arrested investigative reporter Ivan Golunov has encouraged opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Golunov was arrested on drug charges, but few people believed the charges. Activists say they hope Golunov’s release will be the start of an effort for change. They hope to start a movement against corruption and rights abuses that officials cannot ignore. Experts say the decision by the Russian government to release Golunov was unusual. The government in Moscow rarely intervenes when police and other lower-level officials go too far. Public demands for Golunov’s release surprised high-level officials. They are concerned about the public mood.