Sofya Gudkova, an editor and producer at state-controlled NTV television, has resigned after being ordered to "attack" her former husband, Just Russia Deputy Dmitry Gudkov, the deputy said Thursday.
Gudkova was ordered to criticize Gudkov, an opposition heavyweight and father of their two children, on the "Itogovaya Programma," of which she was chief editor, Gudkov said.
"Sofya, I'm sorry that you had to leave television, a job that had been a part of your life for a long time," he said on his LiveJournal blog. "But you know that I can't abandon my convictions."
Gudkov also confirmed a Gazeta.ru report that NTV is planning a documentary about the personal lives of opposition leaders. The film will feature anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny, Just Russia Deputies Gudkov and Ilya Ponomaryov, Parnas leader Boris Nemtsov and socialite Ksenia Sobchak, among others, Gazeta.ru reported Thursday.
NTV caused controversy in March with the broadcast of a program that accused opposition leaders of paying people to attend anti-government rallies.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.