Since coming to power, Vladimir Putin's autocratic hold on the nation has been unyielding, forcing Russia's news media into compliance. Political debate has been muted and political dissent controlled.
Over the past decade, dozens of journalists have been murdered in Russia and many more have been beaten and mutilated. Yet there have been few convictions for any of the attacks and there has been a historical nervousness of candid political expression. "The fault lies not with specific people. It's the whole atmosphere", says journalist Oleg Kashin. He believes that one man is ultimately responsible, Vladimir Putin. Many are afraid that his hold over the media threatens a bleak future for those whose job it is to question political authority. For the opposition, there is only one answer: "Russia must be free of Putin!" As his popularity wanes, is free speech around the corner?
A Film By ABC Australia
Distributed By Journeyman Pictures
March 2011
