Russian Blogger Smeared With Doctored Photo

The World

Doctoring photographs for political gain was a tool of government in the old Soviet Union. Seems like it still might be — in modern Russia.

A doctored photo appeared recently in a regional Russian newspaper, causing a stir.

It showed blogger and pro-democracy activist Alexei Navalny standing next to a disgraced oligarch.

After Navalny complained it was a fake, the original showed up on the web within a few days.

Stephen Cohen is a professor of Russian studies and history at New York University.

He says Navalny was targeted because of his opposition to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!