The activist likened Russian President Vladimir Putin to infamous mobster Pablo Escobar, describing Putin as more of a mafia boss who utilizes the powers of a sovereign state "to achieve all of his criminal aims."
Bill Browder, an anti-corruption campaigner and former investor in Russia, expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the presidential election, stating that it was "a farce from top to bottom." He remarked that Putin's leadership was weak and suggested that continued repression of Russians could lead to mounting pressure and potentially an uprising against Putin's rule.
Browder criticized Putin's track record, alleging that Putin has eliminated, imprisoned, or exiled his opponents, controls the media and courts, and manipulates the electoral process to maintain power. He characterized the election as a "total fake" orchestrated by Putin to consolidate his authority.
Drawing parallels, Browder compared Putin to Pablo Escobar rather than Joseph Stalin, asserting that Putin operates with criminal motives rather than ideological ones. He accused Putin of using the conflict in Ukraine to fuel patriotism and nationalism but emphasized that the prolonged war was detrimental to the Russian economy and military.
Polling stations opened in Russia's presidential election, with voters expected to extend Putin's tenure by another six years. The election is being closely watched amid concerns about its fairness and transparency.
