I just discovered that the most talented dissident journalist from Russia was murdered. His name was Arkady Babchenko. I know nobody on this blog knows who he is but for me this is devastating news. I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.
Babchenko had to escape from Russia because he is the most famous – and the most talented – dissident journalist in Russia. His life was threatened, his family was threatened, so he moved first to Prague, and then to Kiev. His was always the most lucid analysis of what was happening in the region.
Russians have been murdering one dissident after another. I always wondered what Babchenko was thinking, trying to hide from them in Ukraine. But he’s not only crazy talented. He’s also brave.
Was, he was. Fuck this.
Clarissa's Blog 
The news is on the front page of our papers here (UK). It is absolutely horrible.
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He was incredibly talented. There is literally nobody left with any capacity to say anything of value back there.
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…and the Putinettes are already trying to say that the Ukrainian government did it. The longer Russians put up with this crap the worse it will get.
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A recent survey found that most enjoyable activity by far for Russians is to watch TV. It’s far more pleasurable than spending time with kids or having sex.
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Turns out he’s alive?
https://apnews.com/c0c4789d139e4465a601c8195266068d
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.js
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OH MY GOD – IT WAS FAKED – AND HE DIDN’T TELL HIS WIFE?!?!?!?
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I’ve been away all day and am only just discovering this. Oh, thank God, thank God, thank God.
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.js
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/world-europe-44307611
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Ok…what is going on?
Ukraine reveals it staged ‘murder’ of Russian journalist
Arkady Babchenko, the Russian journalist who was reported to have been shot dead in Kiev, has turned up alive at a news conference in Ukraine.
Babchenko emerged at a police press conference on Wednesday afternoon in front of journalists who had been expecting updates on the investigation into his murder.
Vasily Gritsak, head of the Ukrainian security service, told reporters the agency had faked Babchenko’s death to catch people who were trying to kill him.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian police had said Babchenko, a Kremlin critic and veteran Russian war correspondent, was shot three times in the back as he left his apartment to buy bread. A government official told the media that Babchenko, 41, had died in the ambulance to the hospital.
But on Wednesday, officials said Babchenko staged his death in coordination with Ukrainian police as part of an investigation into threats made against his life. The plan had been in place for more than a month.
Police said they had made one arrest in connection with the operation.
Speaking to journalists, Babchenko apologised, saying: “I have been forced to bury my friends and colleagues many times and I know the sickening feeling.”
Apparently he had not even told his closest family members about the plan.
“Special apologies to my wife, Olechka, there was no other option,” Babchenko said to a room of visibly stunned journalists. “The operation was under preparation for two months.”
It was not immediately clear how Babchenko faking his death led to the apprehension of the suspect.
According to Gritsak, Russian authorities had recruited a former fighter in east Ukraine by offering him $30,000 for the killing.
Wearing a black hoodie and shuffling slightly as he spoke, Babchenko concluded: “I’ve done my work. I’m still alive for the moment.”…
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Oh my God, are you serious??? This is the best news ever!!! Wow, it’s like Christmas. Ok, I’m crying again.
I’m now getting the news only from you because I like yours more. :-))))
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