Fact Check: A pro Kremlin politician ordered his aids to “violently rape” a pregnant journalist

A Pro-Kremlin Politician Ordered His Aides to “Violently Rape” a Pregnant Journalist

Introduction

The claim that a pro-Kremlin politician ordered his aides to "violently rape" a pregnant journalist has circulated widely since it was reported in 2014. This incident allegedly occurred during a press conference when the journalist, Stella Dubovitskaya, posed a question regarding sanctions against Ukraine. The statement attributed to Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a prominent Russian politician, has been widely condemned and sparked outrage both domestically and internationally.

What We Know

1. Incident Details: The incident reportedly took place on April 21, 2014, during a press conference held in the State Duma, Russia's parliament. Zhirinovsky, who was the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), allegedly yelled at his aides to "violently rape" Dubovitskaya after she questioned him about the sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine 148.

2. Immediate Aftermath: Following the incident, Dubovitskaya was taken to the hospital for treatment, although specific details about her condition were not disclosed in the immediate reports 25.

3. Public Reaction: The incident was met with widespread condemnation. Various media outlets described Zhirinovsky's remarks as disgraceful and indicative of a broader culture of misogyny and violence against women in political discourse in Russia 69.

4. Zhirinovsky's Background: Vladimir Zhirinovsky was known for his controversial and often inflammatory rhetoric. His political career spanned several decades, during which he gained notoriety for his extreme nationalist views and provocative statements 810.

Analysis

The sources reporting on this incident vary in their credibility and potential biases:

• Mainstream Media: Outlets like The Washington Post and The Independent have reported on the incident with a focus on the implications of Zhirinovsky's comments and the broader context of political violence against women in Russia 14. These sources are generally considered reliable, as they adhere to journalistic standards and provide context for the claims made.

• Tabloid Sources: Publications like the Daily Mail and Daily Star have also covered the story, often with sensationalized headlines that may prioritize shock value over nuanced reporting 29. While they report the same facts, their framing can influence public perception and may not always provide the same depth of analysis as more reputable outlets.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Given Zhirinovsky's political affiliations and the nature of his comments, there may be an inherent bias in how different media outlets choose to report on him. Some may emphasize the sensational aspects of his statements to attract attention, while others may focus on the implications for women's rights and political discourse in Russia.

• Methodology and Evidence: The claims about Zhirinovsky's statements are supported by video footage from the press conference, which has been cited in multiple reports 47. However, the interpretation of his intent and the impact of his words can vary among commentators and analysts.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supporting the claim that Vladimir Zhirinovsky ordered his aides to "violently rape" journalist Stella Dubovitskaya is substantial. Multiple credible sources, including mainstream media outlets, reported on the incident, and video footage from the press conference corroborates the statements attributed to Zhirinovsky. The public reaction to his comments further underscores the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the broader implications for misogyny and violence against women in political discourse in Russia.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. While the video footage supports the claim, interpretations of Zhirinovsky's intent and the context surrounding his remarks can vary. Additionally, the sensational nature of the incident may lead to differing portrayals in various media outlets, which could influence public perception.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances surrounding such claims, recognizing that while the evidence points to the truth of the statement, the broader context and implications are complex and multifaceted.

Sources

1. Washington Post: Russian parliament deputy speaker tells aide to ‘violently rape’ pregnant journalist on live TV
2. Daily Mail: Six-month pregnant journalist taken to hospital for treatment after pro-Kremlin political leader ordered his aides to 'violently rape her' during press conference when she asked about sanctions against Ukraine
3. Daily Mail Video: Pro Kremlin politician asks aides to rape pregnant journalist for sanction questions
4. Independent: Ukraine crisis: Russian pro-Kremlin politician Vladimir Zhironovsky filmed ordering aides to ‘violently rape’ pregnant journalist Stella Dubovitskaya
5. NZ Herald: Pro-Kremlin politician aims shocking rant at pregnant reporter
6. Telegraph: Russian politician tells aides to 'violently rape' pregnant journalist
7. Independent (duplicate): Ukraine crisis: Russian pro-Kremlin politician Vladimir Zhironovsky filmed ordering aides to ‘violently rape’ pregnant journalist Stella Dubovitskaya
8. HuffPost: Russian Politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky Orders Aides To 'Violently Rape' Pregnant Reporter Stella Dubovitskaya
9. Daily Star: Russian politician tells aides to 'violently rape' pregnant journalist
10. Glamour: This Russian Politician Threatened to Have a Pregnant Journalist "Violently Raped"