Mikhail Leontyev considers NGOs in Russia subversive organizations

In a comment published on February 22, 2005 on the KM.Ru portal "The United States is funding subversive organizations in the Russian Federation" (and reprinted in Nezavisimaya Gazeta on March 2, 2005), journalist Mikhail Leontiev accused the United States of intending to overthrow an unsatisfactory their political system in Russia with the help of public organizations.

Russia is pursuing a policy in its own, and not in the American interests, the journalist writes, and, of course, the American leadership does not like this. "When they don't like the political system that exists in Russia, they will overthrow it with the help of public organizations financed from abroad, including foreign governments," Leontiev says. "It's no secret that the so-called non- governmental organizations ... are now openly funded not only by foundations and dubious individuals with very peculiar political views, they are also directly funded by the US Congress" .

In fact, democracy in Russia is not in any danger, Leontiev argues: the opposition has liquidated itself, the elections were free and fair, and independent media are working successfully and criticizing the regime. The accusations that the time of the KGB is coming again are groundless.

Sources

• Mikhail Leontiev: US finances subversive organizations in Russia // KM.Ru. February 22, 2005.
• Leontiev M. Sometimes you really want to poison and kill journalists // Independent newspaper. 2005. March 2.