So I made this public blog entry about Litvinenko and my uneasiness about all things Russian Government, and like always I put in my statcounter code as I like to see where I'm getting my hits from. Today I noticed this interesting entry in my statcounter log:



I may be counting the 1s and 2s all wrong, but then again perhaps one thing has something to do with the other...

Coincidence?! You decide.

The story of Litvinenko and what happened to him in London, haunts me to this very day. I find myself frequently looking up new information on him and what's happened since, maybe I do this in the hopes that he and his widow finally receive justice, as is their due. But perhaps that's the optimistic in me thinking along those lines.

There's something about that case which really strikes all the cords. I'm sure my dislike for all things Russian politics and their systematic  approach to getting rid of dissenting voices has some part to play in it. He represents to me all the people that have been wronged and let down by those in power. He also represents to me how the powerful can get away with doing the most heinous of things, exacting a terrible price on those that try to stand up for the alleged truth. He's not the only one of course. I also think of Anna Politkovskaya, yet they're the more known figures in this fight, but by no means the most important or even the only important figures.

I stumbled across this documentary film review a few hours ago, so I thought I'd post it here in the hopes of attracting attention of those that have seen it. It's related to Litvinenko of course. Anyone interested in watching it?

Rebellion: the Litvinenko Case (no cert)

The week's other documentary is billed as 'a testimony' by Andrei Nekrasov, drawing on interviews the film-maker conducted with dissident spy Alexander Litvinenko before the latter's death by poisoning in November 2006. The film can't make the ties between Russian politicians, oligarchs and security forces any easier to fathom out; what it does is to make them murkier and more fascinating, either by what Nekrasov intuits (alleged links between Premier Putin and the Stasi, for one) or how such intelligence is presented.

Superb use is made of footage that looks as though it's been smuggled out itself: of police brutality, neo-Nazi rampages, hushed nocturnal conversations in which Litvinenko expresses fear for his family's lives.

The director is of the Moore/Broomfield school of documentary- makers unafraid to put themselves on camera, though here that stance looks more like bravery than egotism. Putting himself out there results in at least one real coup towards the end of this gripping, often chilling investigation: an encounter with Andrei Lugovoi, prime suspect in Litvinenko's murder. 'Would you like a cup of tea?' Lugovoi asks casually. 'No thanks,' is the response. A wise man, this comrade Nekrasov.

Review from the Telegraph

I think I might have to see this for myself, though I'm usually more of a fan of textual media. I just hope they continue in their fight for truth and justice.

Conspiracy Theories

In regards to Chechnya, I personally can't discount any of the theories given the systematic need for secrecy and controlled information from the Kremlin. Am I just a fool of a believer amongst the herd? I like to think I'm just cautious and cynical when it comes to all things controlled media and controlled Government to the degree that exists over there.

Is there a case/news item that you feel incredibly strongly about? Any thoughts on the Litvinenko case? Perhaps even alternative views? Do share.