The audience of Direct Line, a live question and answer session with President Putin, were gathered in a health resort outside Moscow where they were briefed on how to behave during the upcoming show, the RBC news outlet reported June 14.
The guests were divided into groups and asked to read their questions for Putin to “girls from the television” who “made notes in a notebook,” an RBC source said. Participants were not guaranteed the chance to ask their questions during the broadcast.
The audience were advised not to drink alcohol or water because the show could last up to five hours. The audience were also advised not to wear checkered or striped clothing.
“The Direct Line [with Vladimir Putin] is a show, and a show should always be well-prepared,” an informed source told RBC.
Direct Line with Vladimir Putin is a live question and answer show held annually since 2001 in which Putin responds to questions from Russian citizens in the audience, through live video, or submitted by post, telephone or email.
The longest Direct Line was held in 2013 when Putin responded to 85 questions during 4 hours 47 minutes.
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.
