No To Fear: Anna Politkovskaya

More about the book

"Say No to Fear," part of the They Said No series, recounts the courageous life of Anna Politkovskaya through the eyes of her mentor, dissident writer Vassily Pachoutinsev. Their journey begins when Anna, a young literature student fascinated by poet Marina Tsvetaeva, evolves into an internationally recognized journalist. Vassily highlights her transformation from a junior reporter to a fearless defender of human rights, covering social issues following the Soviet Union's collapse. Key conversations between them at pivotal moments enrich the narrative, bringing history to life. A staunch critic of the second Chechen war, Politkovskaya published much of her work at Novaya Gazeta, a newspaper championing free expression in Russia. Tragically, several staff members were murdered, likely silenced by Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Despite facing a poisoning attack and a mock execution, Politkovskaya remained resolute in advocating for a better future for her children and grandchildren, critiquing the situation in Chechnya and Putin until her assassination in 2006. Pachoutinsev emphasizes her enduring legacy, inspiring the pursuit of justice and truth in Russia and beyond.