Masha Gessen

Russia-born U.S. journalist Masha Gessen (center) in a 2013 protest in Moscow against a proposed new law that would ban gay rights rallies.

From one generation to the next, Russians pass down the trauma of state terror

Author and activist Masha Gessen follows the experiences of half-dozen Russians whose lives have been changed by Putin's retro-totalitarian state.

From one generation to the next, Russians pass down the trauma of state terror
A billboard links the agendas of US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Danilovgrad, Montenegro.

Navigating post-truth politics in Russia and America

Navigating post-truth politics in Russia and America
Patimat Suleimanova, aunt of Boston bombing suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, holds a photo from the family archive at her house in Makhachkala.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s worldview was shaped by a jarring, unsettled childhood

Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s worldview was shaped by a jarring, unsettled childhood
Accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is shown in a courtroom sketch on the first day of jury selection at the federal courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 5, 2015.

Massachusetts isn't OK with the death penalty, but Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's jurors had to be

Massachusetts isn't OK with the death penalty, but Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's jurors had to be
St. Basil's Cathedral

Writer Masha Gessen looks back on a pivotal year for Russia

Writer Masha Gessen looks back on a pivotal year for Russia
Traditional Matryoshka dolls or Russian nesting dolls bearing the faces of Russia's president elect and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and former Soviet dictator Josef Stalin are seen in a souvenir shop in Kiev March 5, 2012.

The good part about leaving Russia is no longer having to apologize for its actions

Author Masha Gessen left Russia seven months ago, leaving behind a burning shame over her former country's "continuing slide into darkness."

The good part about leaving Russia is no longer having to apologize for its actions

Two members of Pussy Riot are attacked by Russian thugs while eating breakfast at McDonald's

With all the drama over Russia's intentions in Crimea, another Russian story has been pushed to the back pages. Pussy Riot. Now the Russian punk protest group is back in the headlines. There's a disturbing video making the rounds, that shows an apparent attack on two Pussy Riot members.

Two members of Pussy Riot are attacked by Russian thugs while eating breakfast at McDonald's
Khodorkovsky

Putin says he's not interested in imposing his will on anyone — but a jailed businessman would beg to differ

A Russian-American journalist says Russia's President Vladimir Putin is "ruining" the country. She says the case of imprisoned businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky is an example of how Putin quashes political dissent.

Putin says he's not interested in imposing his will on anyone — but a jailed businessman would beg to differ
The World

Punk Band Pussy Riot Takes On Big Oil

Russia's dissident punk band Pussy Riot has released a new protest video criticizing big oil companies and President Putin. Marco Werman speaks with journalist Masha Gessen, who recently spent four hours visiting a leading member of the group in prison.

Punk Band Pussy Riot Takes On Big Oil
The World

Gay Marriage in Russia: Journalist Masha Gessen Shares Her Family's Story

In Russia, there's very little support for same sex marriage. In fact, several Russian municipalities have passed "homosexual propaganda" laws banning any mention of same sex marriage in front of minors.

Gay Marriage in Russia: Journalist Masha Gessen Shares Her Family's Story

Kremlin Blacklisted, Recently Fired, Prominent Russian Journalist Masha Gessen Meets Vladimir Putin

Russian journalist Masha Gessen lost her job as editor of a nature magazine for refusing to cover Vladimir Putin. This week, Putin invited Gessen for a chat at the Kremlin. Gessen says this was an unusual encounter and a candid talk with Russia's leader.

Kremlin Blacklisted, Recently Fired, Prominent Russian Journalist Masha Gessen Meets Vladimir Putin

Journalist Fired for Refusing to Cover Putin's Flight with Endangered Cranes

Not every journalist in Russia was happy to cover Vladimir Putin's escapade when he led cranes across the Arctic in a motorized hang-glider. Masha Gessen tells host Lisa Mullins why she refused to cover the event, and as a result lost her job.

Journalist Fired for Refusing to Cover Putin's Flight with Endangered Cranes

Russia Bans Alcohol Advertising in all Media

A ban on alcohol advertising has gone into effect in Russia. It is part of Russian officials' work to address the country's drinking problem.

Russia Bans Alcohol Advertising in all Media

Masha Gessen on Vladimir Putin, 'The Man Without a Face'

Masha Gessen on Vladimir Putin, 'The Man Without a Face'
The World

Understanding Russia's Take On Syria

Marco Werman talks with Moscow-based journalist Masha Gessen about Russia's relationship with Syria.

Understanding Russia's Take On Syria