“The witch hunt continues in Russia.” Sobchak – about the persecution of Elena Isinbayeva

Down-the-line.com/Athletics. Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian journalist, presenter and public figure, expressed her views on the public reaction to statements by two-time Olympic pole vault champion Elena Isinbayeva about the nominal nature of military ranks received while playing for the CSKA.

Sobchak noted that the “witch hunt” continues in Russia and there is no shortage of constituent “traitor lists”. In this case, Yelena Isinbayeva became the object of such criticism, despite her sports achievements.

According to Sobchak, the criticism of the athlete arose after an article in the Spanish edition of El Digital Sur, which indicated that Major Isinbayeva, Putin’s confidante, resided permanently in the Canary Islands. This has caused controversy with Isinbayeva joining the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which does not recommend granting neutral status to athletes who play for armed forces and law enforcement clubs. Isinbayeva expressed her opinion on the rating of her military ranks.

Sobchak noted that Russian state media began slamming Isinbayeva for her statements, and the former athlete has now become the target of criticism, despite her previous popularity and respect. There were even proposals to rename the stadium in Makhachkala, after Isinbayeva.

Sobchak also expressed concern that someone could use such situations to heighten importance and assert their patriotism, emphasizing where to live and who to talk to.

• Vasiliev urged to stop the persecution of Isinbayeva