Russian Journalist Found Dead

[Red_Polo]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5416218.stm

:eyebrow:

[lfc4ever]

Hmmmm Veronica Guerin, Georgi Markov, where would be without those brave people who paid the ultimate price, and prob knew they going to be targeted for what they said, for what they believed in.

We should rejoice that they lived to protect us all, would you, could you make that sacrifice?

Freedom to speak out is still a major battle that is being fought on many fronts, some of them with our own elected governement, never let the battle just wimper away, do whatever you can to spread the message, there has to be law, but secretive laws should be exposed.

[kopdan]

first mikes account is hacked

and now this murder?

I sense something

[Red_Polo]

What would we all do if something similar happened here today? Nothing, is probably the right answer. :eyebrow:

[mick the click]

I'm working on a project that looks at Russia's realtionship with the EU. As a rule I don't get involved with this sort of marlarkey - I'm not really political in any way. It's a job. But it has opened my eyes. So re the EU

Russia wants in.
EU wants Russia in.
Terms have yet to be agreed.

For a start, democracy means a different thing in Russia. It is associated with the Yeltsin period, pisshead Yeltsin screwed up big-time, creating small fry Putin lapdog Abramovich and his ilk (not small fry). There other 'oligarchs' with some credibility, but not many. The Russians view the Yeltsin presidency as a period of shame for Russia.

Putin is, ruthlessly, wrestling back control of things in the Soviet manner (Yukos oil being the most criminally obvious - google it) - he is ex KGB, and his key appointments are all cronies. Russian people like this, and are happy for 'managed democracy' as the Russian government describes it, because many have money and can travel.

Because the EU is full of highly-paid self-interested pontificators on the biggest gravy train you can imagine - and therfore a pile of shite (IMHO) and which you are paying for - it has no energy policy, for example, with the Ruskis. They love this and make deals with individual national states. Blow me down if these don't include Germany Italy and France!

Many (most) of the courts are bent.

This is not rumour - it's all well documented. It's complicated but fascinating stuff that's going on NOW.

This BBC article lists a few targeted journalists - there are more. Media is not free in Russia and the rules have been changed on many fronts - not least to inhibit NGOs (look it up) but also to rig the Duma (parliament) in Putin's favour.

Should you be concerned? Possibly...if you want to be able to keep warm in winter.

The above is all waaaaay over-simplified - but yet another thorn in Putin's side has been silenced.


...I'll get me coat...

[publiusscipio]

first mikes account is hacked

and now this murder?

I sense something

What?