A Bitter Taste of Freedom

In her fearless quest to uncover the wrongdoings of the Russian state, Anna Politkovskaya inspired awe in some, and fear in countless others. An investigative journalist for Moscow’s liberal Novaya Gazeta, she was often the only spokesperson for the victims of Putin’s government. Hers was a lonely voice, yet loud enough for the entire country to hear. It was too loud. At age 48 she was assassinated for simply doing her job.

The story of Anna Politkovskaya is like a piece of classic Greek tragedy. Destiny takes over her life and the hero’s stubborn desire to help the oppressed is also her tragic flaw. The decision to stay true to her calling is seemingly always her own. At every turn of her life, that destiny helps her choose the road that leads to her inevitable, tragic end.