The governor of the Arkhangelsk region admitted during a televised polygraph test Saturday to having driven under the influence.
Governor Igor Orlov agreed to sit for a televised polygraph test on the NTV channel in a bid to debunk local news reports that he had increased his own monthly salary to 600,000 rubles ($9,350). Orlov denied the rumors, claiming a more modest income of 170,000 rubles ($2,650).
Although the polygraph test showed that Orlov was truthful about his salary, it also showed signs of the governor's nervousness when questions turned to his traffic record.
Orlov admitted that he had been pulled over when he had "residual alcohol" in his blood and that traffic cops had demanded bribes when they had stopped him for speeding.
"If the issue can be solved on the spot, I don't reject [this option]," Orlov told NTV, implying that he had abided by the police officers' request.
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.
