Interview With Oleg Kashin
Today’s Russia Beyond The Headlines has a worthy piece highlighting the perils of journalistic activities in Russia, which was ranked 140th for freedom of the press in 2010 by Reporters Without Borders. Since the beginning of 2011, there have been 39 attacks against journalists, according to the Glasnost Defense Foundation. Whether or not there any signs of improvement in the situation is a matter of opinion, it would seem from those quoted in the article, which can be read here. One man who certainly believes the state of affairs remains deplorable is Oleg Kashin, the Kommersant reporter who suffered a brutal attack last November, believed to be directly linked to his work as a journalist. He is interviewed on the same site by Veronika Dorman:
What is the situation currently for journalists in Russia?
I never considered there to be a problem specific to journalism in Russia. It’s a dangerous country in itself. Forty times more people are killed here, in general, than in Europe. That’s why, statistically, journalists are killed 40 times more frequently than elsewhere. The newspaper Kashin, which was devoted to me when I was in hospital, made a list of killed journalists: I was embarrassed because it included the names of people who obviously died for reasons other than their work.
Chief human rights adviser Mikhail Fedotov said the situation has improved, overall, during the last three years.
He also stated that the “Kashin affair is nearly resolved.” Nearly resolved is like nearly pregnant: it doesn’t exist. Despite the diligent work of investigators, nothing has happened. Eight months have already gone by and I have serious doubts whether the truth will ever come to light. You understand that I am a bit skeptical. Personally, I wouldn’t speak of improvement. Take the Khimki forest for example, where its defense became a reason for serious attacks on journalists. The violence continues, including against environmentalists. I wouldn’t say people in this country are breathing easier.
How have you been working and living since the attack?
Editor’s Note: A few hours after this interview occurred in late June, the Khamovnicki District Court in Moscow ruled in Kashin’s favor against Yakemenko. who is known as the head of the Nashi youth movement, in a defamation case. Yakemenko, who is now appealing the decision, sued Kashin after the journalist said he thought the youth movement leader was involved in his attack.
My life has obviously changed. Sometimes I’m refused an interview with the formula, “He was given a beating, and it was because he wrote something he shouldn’t have, he’ll do the same to us.” But people know me better, which often makes my job easier. Overall, I am able to work as before.
And what about the fear?
I think my attack is one in a long line of provocations and attacks. Thinking about it all the time would be unbearable.
There’s no subject you won’t do?
No. In addition, I think that I now write with more of an edge; I am tougher against the opponents of good.
Read the rest of the interview here.
