Reporter asks Putin why his political opponents are ‘dead, in prison, or poisoned’

Summary

In this exchange, the reporter questions President Putin on Russia’s ongoing cyberattacks, the imprisonment and deaths of political opponents, and the treatment of opposition groups. The President defends Russia’s actions by comparing them to similar measures taken by the United States, arguing that while labeled as foreign agents, opposition groups in Russia are not banned outright. He justifies suppressing extremist organizations that encourage violence and unrest. The President also draws parallels to the U.S., noting political unrest and challenges with internal protests, positioning Russia’s actions as a preventive measure to avoid similar turmoil.

Takeaways

• 😀 President Biden has stated that he would respond to cyberattacks from Russia if they do not stop, prompting questions about potential threats from Russia.
• 😀 The journalist questioned President Putin on his stance regarding political opposition in Russia, referencing the long list of political opponents who are dead, imprisoned, or jailed.
• 😀 Putin responded by reiterating that Russia labels certain foreign agents as adversaries, mirroring similar actions taken by the United States.
• 😀 Putin argued that foreign agents in Russia, like the U.S. back in the 1930s, are not banned but are still allowed to operate in the country under specific laws.
• 😀 The organization of Alexei Navalny, which calls for fair elections and an end to corruption, has been outlawed in Russia as an extremist group.
• 😀 Putin expressed concern about violent protests, specifically mentioning riots and Molotov cocktails, and stated that Russia will do everything possible to prevent such events.
• 😀 Putin indirectly addressed concerns about political repression by drawing comparisons with the U.S. political landscape, particularly referring to the Black Lives Matter movement and recent U.S. riots.
• 😀 The President highlighted the similarities between Russia’s prevention of unrest and U.S. handling of domestic protests, aiming to defend Russia’s actions.
• 😀 When asked about political opponents being jailed or poisoned, Putin shifted focus, highlighting the U.S. Capitol riot and the prosecution of individuals involved, including those facing long prison sentences.
• 😀 The overall tone of President Putin’s responses sought to justify Russia’s actions by drawing parallels with the United States, deflecting from direct answers about political repression in Russia.

Q & A

What did the journalist ask President Putin regarding cyberattacks from Russia?

The journalist asked President Putin about the potential response from President Biden if Russian cyberattacks do not stop. The question also inquired whether President Biden made any threats related to this matter.

How did President Putin respond to the question about threats from President Biden?

President Putin did not directly address any specific threats from President Biden but instead reiterated his position on 'foreign agents' and the rules of the game, expressing concern over how the U.S. and Western countries label entities in Russia as adversaries while supporting specific organizations.

What stance does President Putin take on political organizations and opposition groups in Russia?

President Putin emphasizes that while foreign organizations can operate in Russia, they are subject to specific laws. He highlighted that organizations labeled as extremist or involved in illegal activities, such as inciting violence, are treated differently from those labeled as foreign agents.

Why does President Putin defend the classification of organizations as extremist?

President Putin justifies the classification of certain organizations as extremist because he claims these groups have called for violent acts, such as riots and the use of Molotov cocktails, which are considered illegal and harmful to public order.

How does President Putin compare the situation in Russia with events in the United States?

President Putin draws a comparison between the protests and riots in the U.S. (particularly the Black Lives Matter movement) and potential unrest in Russia. He sympathizes with the U.S. but states that Russia does not want similar riots or violent public disorder to occur on its soil.

What does President Putin say about his political opponents in Russia?

President Putin counters accusations regarding political opponents being imprisoned or killed by highlighting that political unrest also happens in the U.S. He refers to the Capitol Hill riot participants facing charges and long prison sentences, suggesting that similar actions are being taken in other countries.

What is President Putin's view on foreign influence in Russia's political system?

President Putin appears critical of foreign support for certain organizations in Russia. He argues that if the U.S. and other Western countries label Russia as an adversary but support certain Russian organizations, it creates a conflict and raises questions about the real intentions behind such support.

How does President Putin justify actions against organizations he deems extremist?

He justifies actions against extremist organizations by stating that they threaten public order and safety. He cites specific examples of organizations inciting violence, promoting riots, and using underage individuals to participate in illegal activities.

What is President Putin's position on the use of the label 'foreign agent' in Russia?

President Putin argues that being labeled as a 'foreign agent' does not prevent an organization from operating within Russia. However, he distinguishes this from being labeled as an extremist organization, which carries stricter consequences.

How does President Putin address the issue of political opposition and fairness in elections?

President Putin responds by comparing the situation in Russia to similar issues in the U.S., where political actions have led to criminal charges. He stresses that Russia's approach is about preventing violence and unrest, and that their legal actions against political opposition are in line with protecting national security and public order.