Masha Gessen on Being Convicted in Absentia by Russian Court | Amanpour and Company

While Vladimir Putin was quick to condemn Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory, the Russian military has been roundly criticized for its actions throughout this war. One critic is exiled journalist Masha Gessen, who was recently convicted in absentia and sentenced by a Moscow court for reporting on the conflict. Gessen joins Michel Martin to share what it is like to be targeted by the Kremlin, and to discuss their recent New York Times behind-the-scenes account of the recent prisoner swap with Russia.

Originally aired on August 12, 2024

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[polly]

I really admire Masha's dedication and integrity. Hoping they don't come to any harm as a result of it.

[hopesnopes]

Gessen's book, The Future is History, is also a must read. One of the very best and bravest journalists of our time. Thank you.

[SaintJoanOnJonesSt]

Everyone needs to watch this to remember what real journalism looks like, and what we stand to lose if the Putin-backed candidate were to again take up residency in our White House. Masha Gessen is incredible and deserves not only all the medals and recognitions, but also OUR FULL PROTECTION!

[cherylalt]

Wonderful interview Michele and Masha! So sorry for your troubles Masha. Stay safe and free. Your insights are valuable to us all. Thanks for sharing this video with us!

[richardm]

Gessen has written a fantastic book on Putin and Russia. A clear portrait of Putin and corrupt Russia. - "The Man Without a Face, the unlikely rise of Vladimir Putin". Highly recommended.

[Maliceless]

Masha Gessen is a great writer but an even better speaker; I feel enlightened after every interview. She's a transcendent force for goodwill on earth. Love her.

[andreawallenberger]

Thank you and stay strong, brave Masha Gessen! ❤

[ГлебВерховский-пр]

Masha is a brilliant analyst and journalist. Always a pleasure to see and hear her.❤

[BabsBrooklynPilates]

I believe that Masha Gessen is one of the most brilliant and articulate journalists of our time.

[theeviljames]

Always enjoy an interview with Masha, especially when recent events give them a reason to have some optimism and excitement about the future

[James-czhf]

Thousands of people make money lying about Russia/Putin. You only get in trouble for telling the truth about them. Thank you so much for your bravery, Ms Gessen.

[weinbergfahrer]

Thank you for providing a platform for people like Masha. Would the prisoner exchange have happened under a president named Trump? I'm not so sure.

[simongarcia]

She is brave indeed. Integrity is a virtue.

[SamClemens-idcl]

Every interview with Masha is intelligent, well-spoken with integrity & humility.

I'm glad she is safe. I wish we had many more people like her.

[lyspaere]

Sometimes I think, maybe I've built Masha up on a pedestal in my mind, but they ALWAYS blow me out of the water with a level of succinct wisdom that I don't hear from even some other writers and speakers whom I deeply respect and follow closely.

[e-spy]

You know what? I don't want to normalize...I want different and better! I want every person to matter!

[piroska]

She is so precious for the future freedom of humanity.

[TinLeadHammer]

"They"/"Them" annoys me to no end.

[georgeanthony]

MASHA GESSEN... MORE COURAGE THAN OUR ENTIRE WESTERN LEADERSHIP...

[ruabossy]

Shame on Australia for denying her the visa, this is absolutely unacceptable. Is Australia still America's ally? Does not look like it.