31 May 2004 17:29
Chechen rebel`s widow critical of freedom, truth in Russia
[Presenter] Footage of the trial in Qatar [of two Russian citizens accused of the murder of a former Chechen leader
Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev] has been cut from Leonid Parfenov's programme Namedni [NTV]. The bulk of the report
consisted of an interview with the widow of Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, Malika. She herself believes that her interview was
withdrawn because she had spoken the truth.
[Malika Yandarbiyev] The truth has never been liked in Russia. I have said nothing for myself. When I was asked, I
said what was taking place at the trial. I am not competent in politics. Simply, people came and put questions, and I
answered them with what I know. That is all. I have no time for this at all. My boy is still in a very bad way. It makes
no difference to me whether it will be shown or not. I do not either win or lose from this. It is just important to you
all. It shows what sort of freedom there is in Russia today. It is an interview with an ordinary woman. I have no
political competence to make any political statements.
[Passage omitted: the special services asked deputy director-general of NTV not to show the judicial process in Qatar
until the defendants' case has been decided]
[Ekho Moskvy radio] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
