Dmitry Medvedev speaks about democracy

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has given an interview to one of the last media outlets in the country which is frequently critical of the government. The interview in Novaya Gazeta is being dissected by analysts for signs that Mr Medvedev may pursue a different course from his predecessor, Vladimir Putin. 

Mr Medvedev said democracy need not be compromised for the sake of prosperity. "Stability and a prosperous life cannot be set off against a set of political rights and freedoms," he said.

Mr Medvedev said "the protection of rights should be practised by the state itself" and trust built up between it and civil soiety groups. A Kremlin spokeswoman said Mr Medvedev had given the interview to Novaya Gazeta to "lend moral support" to its journalists, after the attacks on their colleagues.

...

By Richard Galpin

See BBC