"I don't go back on any of my words"

Editor-in-Chief of the PublicPost website

Nargiz Asadova

I don’t understand for what purpose you published your “Response to Deputy Kostunov,” since I have never accused your publication of dishonesty, despite factual errors in previous publications, and I do not refuse responsibility for my words in the last interview. But, nevertheless, I will give some explanations.

First, let me thank your journalist for the honest and open interview and the publication of my apologies for certain expressions.

I should note that our conversation began with an investigation into the unreliability of data about my biography in your previous publications.

Secondly, I dare to assure you that, despite the emotional conversation, I do not go back on a single word.

Unfortunately, during the conversation about the competencies of State Duma deputies, I made an incorrect emotional statement “the dumbest deputy is smarter than the average citizen.” It was meant that State Duma deputies are selected from among citizens on a competitive basis. The phrase is incorrect, and out of context it becomes disrespectful towards both citizens and deputies. That is why I considered it necessary to apologize for this phrase.

Using your right, you put this unfortunate phrase in the title, but, in my opinion, it does not reflect the essence of the article and conversation. But this is your right.

If I had the opportunity to agree on the text of the interview and give additional explanations, I would ask to correct some phrases. Unfortunately, I did not ask the journalist about this before the conversation, and the text was published in your editorial office. And this is also your right.

I have no reason to make any claims against you; I can only congratulate you on your high citation rate and possible audience growth.

I hope that our further communication will only be for positive reasons.

Sincerely,

Ilya Kostunov