MARINA LITVINENKO, the activist and widow of poisoned Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko, has the last word
MARINA LITVINENKO IS the widow of Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who died in 2006 after being poisoned in London. After the death of her husband, Marina led a campaign for a full investigation into the assassination via the Litvinenko Justice Foundation. This led to a public inquiry that indicated there was a strong probability the FSB was responsible and it was probable Putin was aware of the operation.
Marina continues to campaign for Russian dissidents.
INDEX Why does Russia love a strongman?
MARINA LITVINENKO Because Russians remain like children - helpless, without rights, and looking for someone to show them the way and lead them.
INDEX What do you say to those who want to cancel Russian art/literature/ music?
MARINA LITVINENKO Russia is not Putin - he is, in the end, only a man who will one day be gone; but the culture, literature and music are separate to that and will remain forever. It is also notable that some of Russia’s best works of art and literature were born due to displeasure and disagreement with the country’s status quo, rather than agreeing with it.
INDEX How does the fight for freedom, begun by your husband and other brave opponents of Putin, continue?
MARINA LITVINENKO My husband, having started as a professional soldier and later security officer, understood what it meant to hold that position: to fight terrorists and criminals. Putin is an amalgamation of both of these. Others like my husband, who share these same values and beliefs, will always continue to fight as long as there is a villain like Putin to stand up against.
INDEX What do you think the future holds for Russia now?
MARINA LITVINENKO While it is hard to predict, the short term will almost definitely be incredibly hard for Russia. A new generation without the consequences of the Soviet era might be able to change the country’s course, and I pray that they will.
INDEX If you could save one book from the censor what would it be?
MARINA LITVINENKO My husband’s book, ‘Blowing up Russia’; which was banned in Russia as soon as it was published.
INDEX What work of art/culture has affected you the most?
The grave of Alexander Litvinenko in Highgate Cemetery in London.
CREDIT: (grave) No Swan So Fine/CC BY-SA 4.0; (portrait) Independent / Alamy
MARINA LITVINENKO My first time in Rome - I could never have imagined how much of an impact the city was going to have on me; the architecture and history are unique and how it has been preserved until our time.
INDEX What future news headline would you most like to read?
