Journalist, Kremlin critic flees Russia following threats
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 September 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Journalist, Kremlin critic flees Russia following threats, 21 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58189ddd13.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 21, 2016
Russian journalist Aleksandr Sotnik
A Russian journalist known for his anti-Kremlin stance has left Russia, saying he feared for his life.
In a video posted on YouTube on September 20, Aleksandr Sotnik said he had received threats in a telephone call.
"We are going to tolerate you until October and after that we will transfer you to a vegetable department," Sotnik quoted the unknown caller as telling him.
Sotnik said that he would temporarily stay in Georgia, from where he plans to continue his online video channel.
The channel, called Sotnik-TV, has been available on YouTube for five years.
He has criticized the Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin, and expressed support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia-backed separatists.
Russia illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and has supported separatists in the country's east.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
