The leader

If the sentence of the Pskov journalist Svetlana Prokopieva is guilty — in any form — this will be a huge blow to freedom of speech, which has not yet happened in Russia, told the correspondent of “Rosbalt” in the courtroom, leader of the party “Yabloko” Nikolay Rybakov. Among those present at the meeting where the court is due shortly to announce the decision — a member of the Federal political Committee of the party Emilia Slabunov, the leader of the Pskov Yabloko Lev Shlosberg, chief editor of “media zones” Sergei Smirnov, Deputy chief editor of “Echo of Moscow” Tatiana Felgengauer, a Moscow municipal Deputy Julia Galiamina.

“one thing that I expect of civil society, people who understand that tomorrow anyone with any position, it may be in court now to unite in defense of Svetlana Prokopieva. Responsibility for its destiny — each of us. How active throughout the country people will speak in her defense — this is largely, I am convinced, depends her future, her safety and freedom”, — said the politician.

“regardless of what position is taken by journalists: for Putin or against, for the amendment or against, but everyone needs to understand that her place tomorrow, it can be absolutely anyone, publicly voicing their civil position. It’s not even a question that she threw something — just blame her for her words, for her opinion. She has the right to Express publicly their position — and as a journalist and as a citizen,” — said Nikolai Rybakov.

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