Vladimir Kara-Murza was late to our interview because he was at the hospital, receiving treatment for being poisoned. Again. He’s not a spy, he’s not KGB—he’s just a journalist and political activist, and not really all that threatening. But twice in the past two years, Kara-Murza has experienced sudden and rapid multiple organ failure due to a mysterious poison. That’s what can happen when you speak out against the Putin regime and advocate for democracy in Russia for two decades.
I sat down with Kara-Murza in northwest Washington, D.C., where he lived from 2004 to 2012 while working as a TV news bureau chief, before returning to Russia. To read his blog, go here.
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Ben Parker: How are you feeling?
Vladimir Kara-Murza: I’m much better than I felt five months ago. Obviously there are still some residual effects, a few things still to fix before I’m able to go back, which is why right now I just came from the hospital. But much better than five months ago, slowly restoring and recovering.
Last time, after the first poisoning, it took me more than a year to get more or less back into shape, so I’m expecting this time it will take something similar. I’m still in the process, but I’m very fortunate and very grateful to be sitting here and talking to you.
BP: Last time you were treated in Russia or in the U.S.?
VKM: Both times in Russia. Because that’s where the poisoning happened. It wasn’t possible to get me transported. I needed, basically, a room of medical equipment around me all the time.
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05.04.2024