Russian state TV show “60 Minutes,” featuring host Evgeny Popov.
Russian state television has frequently framed domestic unrest in Western countries as evidence of systemic collapse, while avoiding scrutiny of repression and violence within Russia itself under the rule of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Media experts say such coverage is designed to undermine confidence in democratic institutions abroad while diverting attention from Russia’s own political and social crises.
Russian state television has aired a report linking protests in the United States to criticism of former US president Donald Trump, following the fatal shooting of an activist in Minneapolis.
The broadcast, presented by state TV host Evgeny Popov, claimed that European media were portraying the United States as sliding towards authoritarianism. The programme cited a Norwegian newspaper which it said accused Trump of attempting to revive tactics associated with Nazi era repression to intimidate minority communities and political opponents.
According to the report, US immigration authorities were likened to Nazi security forces. The programme then focused on the death of Alex Pretti, a 37 year old activist who was shot during an operation involving immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Russian state television said Pretti was killed while attempting to stop the removal of undocumented migrants. It claimed officers opened fire after he allegedly drew a loaded firearm.
The report said his death sparked large scale protests across Minnesota. It added that a similar incident had occurred less than a month earlier, when another activist was killed during an operation involving immigration agents.
According to the broadcast, Trump said he did not understand the public reaction to Pretti’s death. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was quoted as comparing immigration enforcement agencies to Nazi forces and suggesting residents could feel compelled to document their experiences in a way similar to historical accounts of persecution during the Second World War.
Despite the criticism, the governor reportedly authorised the deployment of military units into Minneapolis to maintain order. Military vehicles were shown entering parts of the city as protesters erected barricades.
Media analysts note that Russian state television frequently highlights unrest in Western countries while downplaying political repression and violence within Russia under the rule of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
