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{{short description|Russian media tycoon (born 1952)}} | |||
] | |||
{{family name hatnote|Aleksandrovich|Gusinsky|lang=Eastern Slavic}} | |||
'''Vladimir Aleksandrovich Gusinsky''' (''Владимир Гусинский'' in ]) (born ]), a ]n ] ], is known as the founder of ] holding that included ], the ] channel, the ] Segodnya and magazines. | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}} | |||
{{layout|date=December 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox person | |||
| name = Vladimir Gusinsky | |||
| image = Vladimir Gusinsky.jpg | |||
| caption = Gusinsky in 2005 | |||
| native_name = {{nobold|Владимир Гусинский}} | |||
| native_name_lang = ru | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1952|10|06}} | |||
| birth_place = ], ], ] | |||
| birth_name = | |||
| other_names = Goose | |||
| death_date = | |||
| death_place = | |||
| death_cause = | |||
| nationality = Russian, Israeli, Spanish | |||
| education = | |||
| occupation = Media executive | |||
| known_for = Founder of Media-Most | |||
| children = | |||
| spouse = | |||
| parents = | |||
| family = | |||
| website = | |||
}} | |||
'''Vladimir Aleksandrovich Gusinsky''' ({{langx|ru|Владимир Александрович Гусинский}}, {{IPA|ru|vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr ɐlʲɪkˈsandrəvʲɪdʑ ɡʊˈsʲinskʲɪj|}}; born 6 October 1952) is a Russian media tycoon. He founded the Media-Most holding company that included the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2001-04-10/world/profile.gusinsky_1_gusinsky-russian-press-media-magnate?_s=PM:WORLD|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119140903/http://articles.cnn.com/2001-04-10/world/profile.gusinsky_1_gusinsky-russian-press-media-magnate?_s=PM:WORLD|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2013|title=Profile: Vladimir Gusinsky - CNN|work=cnn.com|access-date=31 October 2012}}</ref> free-to-air channel, the ] '']'', and a number of magazines. | |||
After moving abroad in the summer of ] he created a satellite TV broadcasting company ] which portrays the events in Russia as presented by the ] ]'s journalists. The related web site ] carries textual, photo and video news from Russia. | |||
== Early life and education == | |||
According to the ''Union of Councils for Soviet Jews'' , Mr. Gusinsky is a very close friend of U.S. Congressman ]. | |||
Gusinsky was born into a ] family in Moscow on 6 October 1952. In 1969, Gusinsky enrolled in ], however, he did not finish his education there.<ref>{{Cite web|title = RUSNET :: Encyclopedia :: G :: Gusinsky, Vladimir|url = http://www.rusnet.nl/encyclo/g/gusinsky.shtml|website = www.rusnet.nl|access-date = 15 October 2015|archive-date = 18 November 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181118173532/http://www.rusnet.nl/encyclo/g/gusinsky.shtml|url-status = dead}}</ref> He joined the USSR Army in 1973 as a Junior Sergeant in the Chemical Intelligence Troops.{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} In 1975, after being demobilized, Gusinsky enrolled in the ] (Russian: ГИТИС English: GITIS).{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} He graduated in 1979 with his graduating diploma work on the staging of "]" by ], in the Tula State Dramatic Theater.{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} | |||
== Early career == | |||
He holds ] citizenship and often resides in ], where he has been under investigation for ]. | |||
1986 | |||
* Stage Director for the Ted Turner ] in the Kremlin Palace.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Turner's New Game: Russian Roulette - March 5, 2001|url = https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2001/03/05/297839/index.htm|website = archive.fortune.com|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Founded one of the first cooperatives following Perestroika - Cooperative "Metal" - which started to produce metal garages and later copper bracelets and other fashion jewelry in mass quantities.{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} | |||
1988 | |||
* Founded the cooperative "INFEKS" under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the USSR, which engaged in consulting of foreign companies entering into the Russian market.<ref>{{Cite web|title = US-SOVIET JOINT VENTURE SET UP TO ASSIST SIMILAR ENDEAVORS {{!}} JOC.com|url = http://www.joc.com/us-soviet-joint-venture-set-assist-similar-endeavors_19881213.html|website = www.joc.com| date=14 December 1988 |access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
1989 | |||
* Created the joint venture "Most", together with ] (a consulting company owned by the ] Law Firm in Washington DC).<ref>{{Cite web|title = SOVIETS EXPECTED TO RELAX RULES ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP IN '89|url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/26951/SOVIETS-EXPECTED-TO-RELAX-RULES-ON-FOREIGN-OWNERSHIP-IN-89.html?pg=all|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151125110248/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/26951/SOVIETS-EXPECTED-TO-RELAX-RULES-ON-FOREIGN-OWNERSHIP-IN-89.html?pg=all|url-status = dead|archive-date = 25 November 2015|website = DeseretNews.com|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Gusinsky established "Most Bank", one of the first and one of the largest private retail banks in Russia.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Vladimir Gusinsky {{!}} biography - Russian businessman|url = http://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladimir-Gusinsky#ref1090017|website = Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> The first ] allowing cash withdrawals in Russia was installed by Most Bank in Russia in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Первый в мире банкомат был установлен ровно 46 лет назад|url = http://www.plusworld.ru/daily/perviy-v-mire-bankomat-bil-ustanovlen-rovno-46-let-nazad/|website = www.plusworld.ru|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
1992 | |||
* Founded a holding company "Most Group". All of Gusinsky's business assets, totaling 42 companies, including Most Bank ({{langx|ru|Мост-банк}}) and a number of construction companies, were integrated into this holding structure.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Гусинский, Владимир|url = http://lenta.ru/lib/14160571/|website = lenta.ru|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
== Involvement in media == | |||
Vladimir Gusinsky is responsible for creating the first independent TV channel in Russia as well as setting the course for professional and objective TV news coverage in Russia. The emergence of 'NTV+', an offshoot from NTV channel, was a groundbreaking event for Russian media. NTV+ was the first satellite channel ever to broadcast in the former USSR. | |||
1993: | |||
* Gusinsky, together with a number of leading journalists, established '']'', a daily political newspaper.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = FRONTLINE/WORLD . Moscow - Rich in Russia . How to Make a Billion Dollars - Vladimir Gusinsky {{!}} PBS|url = https://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/moscow/gusinsky.html|website = www.pbs.org|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = CNN.com - Biographies|url = http://www.cnn.com/interactive/profiles/vladimir.gusinsky/frameset.exclude.html|website = www.cnn.com|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
* In the end of 1993, Gusinsky, together with several leading TV journalists and media experts – such as ],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Igor Malashenko {{!}} C-SPAN.org|url = http://www.c-span.org/person/?igormalashenko|website = www.c-span.org|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> ] and ] – founded the first private television channel in Russia: ]. ]'s main focus was independent and uncensored news and unbiased political shows, and their slogan was "News Is Our Profession".{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} | |||
] | |||
1994: | |||
] | |||
* The ] started in 1994. ] provided pro-Chechen coverage of the war and was often critical of the Russian government.<ref>{{Cite journal |journal=Demokratizatsiya |url = https://www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/demokratizatsiya%20archive/03-2_DaniloffGrigoriev.PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223235815/https://www.gwu.edu/~ieresgwu/assets/docs/demokratizatsiya%20archive/03-2_DaniloffGrigoriev.PDF |archive-date=23 December 2015 |title = The Chechen Crisis And The Media|author = Nicholas Daniloff|author2 = Sergei Grigoriev|date = 1995}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
* In December 1994, the President's Secret Service was ordered to attack Gusinsky's offices. As a result, Gusinsky and his family had to leave Russia. Gusinsky was able to return in May 1995, while during his absence NTV and all his other media assets continued their independent editorial policy and coverage of the war.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title = THE TYCOON AND THE KREMLIN|url = http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1995/02/20/the-tycoon-and-the-kremlin|magazine = The New Yorker|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=14 June 2000|title=Owner of Media Outlets Critical of Kremlin Is Arrested|newspaper=]|location=Moscow|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-14-mn-40888-story.html|access-date=15 October 2015|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
] | |||
1996: | |||
] | |||
* Gusinsky was one of the founders of the ], and in January 1996 was elected its president.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Russia's Jews Organize, With Swiss Caterer's Help|url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/11/world/russia-s-jews-organize-with-swiss-caterer-s-help.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 11 January 1996|access-date = 15 October 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Alessandra|last = Stanley}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
* In February 1996, in ], during the ], together with ], he organized a meeting of Russia's most prominent businessmen. The group met to decide how to support the Presidential bid of Yeltsin and to prevent the communists from returning to power. Further, the group contacted Anatoli Chubais, the creator and advocate of ], and convinced him to lead and manage Yeltsin's presidential campaign.{{sfn|Hoffman|2011|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} | |||
] | |||
* The elections for the President of Russian Federation took place in June 1996 (first round). President Yeltsin was elected in the second round of the election (July 1996). Many international and domestic observers considered these to be the first elections in Russia to approach the western democratic standards.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Assessing Russia's Democratic Presidential Election - Harvard - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs|url = http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/2362/assessing_russias_democratic_presidential_election.html|website = belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
== Consolidation and development of media assets == | |||
1996: | |||
* ], the state owned natural gas giant, became a 30% shareholder of ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = CNN.com - NTV fact file: From Gusinsky to Gazprom - April 10, 2001|url = http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/09/ntv.factfile/|website = www.cnn.com|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
* A US based media investor Capital Group became a 5% shareholder in ] and 5% shareholder in ] - a regional network.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|title = U.S. Financier Sits at Center Of Russian Media Tempest|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB988234826533108790|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|access-date = 15 October 2015|issn = 0099-9660|first1 = Andrew|last1 = Higgins|first2 = Alan Cullison Staff Reporters of The Wall Street|last2 = Journal}}</ref> | |||
1997: | |||
* "Most Group" consolidated all its media assets in a new entity - ]. Gusinsky resigned from his positions in "Most Group" and "Most Bank", became president of "Media Most", and focused all his efforts on the development of the media business.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
* The new media holding company included ], ], ], ], ], other radio stations, internet development companies, movie studios and media design companies.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Implications of Vladimir Gusinsky's Arrest|url = http://carnegieendowment.org/2003/09/04/implications-of-vladimir-gusinsky-s-arrest/2ur3|website = Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
* ] was the largest media holding in Russia and, based on the number of viewers and readers, and possibly one of the largest in Europe. Gusinsky was hailed as the "]" of Russia.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
* While Gusinsky never participated in ] – all his assets were created from scratch, in 1997, Gusinsky made his first, and last, attempt at ] – he bid for the privatizing of the state owned telecommunication giant ]. The bid ended unsuccessfully for Gusinsky, and many commentators have accused Gusinsky of using his media assets to influence his bid and it resulted in a large public scandal.<ref>{{Cite web|title = TV Mogul Gusinsky Did Bid for Svyazinvest {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1997/7/article/tv-mogul-gusinsky-did-bid-for-svyazinvest/303307.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 15 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160601040941/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1997/7/article/tv-mogul-gusinsky-did-bid-for-svyazinvest/303307.html|archive-date = 1 June 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* In mid-1997, a banking consortium led by ] was preparing NTV for a ] on ] at a valuation in 1.2 - 1.4 billion US Dollars, with a large portion of the proceeds from the ] to be used for development of the business.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url = http://courses.wcupa.edu/rbove/eco343/011Compecon/Soviet/010222Press.txt|title = Putin Shoots The Messenger|date = 23 February 2001|access-date = 15 October 2015|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|last = Renaud|first = Chris}}</ref> | |||
1998: | |||
* The ] severely impacted the Russian economy in 1998. ]. The financial default put a stop to the ]'s attempted ].<ref name=":2" /> | |||
* Subsequently, in order to continue "Media Most" development and in anticipation of an economic rebound following ], "Media Most" received a credit from ], guaranteed by ]. The money was invested in "Media Most" business development.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Media-Most Might Give Gazprom A Blocking Stake to Pay Off a Debt|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB965249666134066041|newspaper = Wall Street Journal|access-date = 15 October 2015|issn = 0099-9660|first = Jeanne Whalen Staff Reporter of The Wall Street|last = Journal}}</ref> | |||
* In November 1998, "Media Most" satellite, Bonum 1, built by US ] was launched from ], Florida, USA. This was the first private commercial satellite in Russia, and for the first time a US built and launched satellite was controlled from the territory of Russia. The satellite provided ] (Direct to Home) satellite delivery services for "Media Most" ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = NTV's $150M Satellite Launched From Florida {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1998/11/article/ntvs-150m-satellite-launched-from-florida/282947.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 15 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308183432/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1998/11/article/ntvs-150m-satellite-launched-from-florida/282947.html|archive-date = 8 March 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Boeing, Hughes Ready for Launch of Russian TV Satellite|url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boeing-hughes-ready-for-launch-of-russian-tv-satellite-77387832.html|website = www.prnewswire.com|access-date = 15 October 2015}}</ref> | |||
== Confrontation with Kremlin == | |||
1999 | |||
* An alliance that included President ], Yeltsin's relatives, and a group of powerful businessmen, publicly known as the "Family",<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Spark : Russia: Yeltsin, "The Family" and the Bureaucratic Mafia|url = https://the-spark.net/csart264.html|website = the-spark.net|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> brought in Vladimir Putin as the successor to President Yeltsin.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Yeltsin keeps it all in 'The Family' |url = http://www.iwp.edu/news_publications/detail/yeltsin-keeps-it-all-in-the-family-on-the-rise-of-vladimir-putin|website = www.iwp.edu|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> At the same time, Gusinsky positioned himself outside of the "Family" and as a result he was accused of supporting the election of anti-Kremlin alliance of ] & ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=1 June 2000|title=Pushing the Boundaries of a Free Press|newspaper=]|location=Moscow|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-01-mn-36319-story.html|access-date=16 November 2015|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> This was the beginning of the conflict between Gusinsky, the Family, and Putin. | |||
* In September 1999, there were a number of ]. Several buildings were bombed and many people were killed. The ] took the position that Chechen separatists were responsible for the bombings.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Re-examining the 1999 apartment bombings in Russia {{!}} The Stanford Post-Soviet Post|url = http://postsovietpost.stanford.edu/discussion/re-examining-1999-apartment-bombings-russia|website = postsovietpost.stanford.edu|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025702/http://postsovietpost.stanford.edu/discussion/re-examining-1999-apartment-bombings-russia|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> Around the same time, a group of neighbors residing in an apartment building found a large quantity of explosives in the basement of their building, and reported it to ]. At that time a group of independent journalist investigators exposed certain facts that connected the explosives with individuals connected with ].<ref>{{Cite news|title = Finally, We Know About the Moscow Bombings|url = http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2012/nov/22/finally-we-know-about-moscow-bombings/|newspaper = The New York Review of Books|date = 22 November 2012|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0028-7504|first = Amy|last = Knight}}</ref>{{sfn|Dunlop|2014|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} Gusinsky's ] decided to take an independent stance and launched an in-depth public journalistic investigation – investigating the possibility that ] was staging explosions in an effort to influence the upcoming elections.<ref name="rferl.org">{{Cite news|title = Ten Years Ago, Russia's Independent NTV, The Talk Of The Nation, Fell Silent|url = http://www.rferl.org/content/russia_independent_ntv_fell_silent/3557594.html|newspaper = RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date = 14 April 2011|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title = False Flags, Covert Operations, & Propaganda|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7nswBwAAQBAJ|publisher = Lulu.com|date = 25 August 2014|isbn = 9781312462885|first = Robert B.|last = Durham}}</ref> Gusinsky was given an ultimatum to remove this "independent investigation" from NTV, or else face the consequences. Gusinsky refused to end the investigation. Furthermore, a number of independent commentators accused the Kremlin and Putin of organizing the explosions, prompting the new Chechen war, with the goal of increasing Putin's popularity in anticipation of elections.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Blowing Up Russia: The Secret Plot to Bring Back KGB Terror|last = Litvinenko|first = Alexander|publisher = Encounter Books|year = 2007|isbn = 978-1594032011|url-access = registration|url = https://archive.org/details/blowinguprussias00fels}}</ref> This was the breaking point in the relationship between Gusinsky and the Kremlin, the Family, and Yeltsin's successor Putin.<ref name="rferl.org"/> | |||
* On 31 December 1999, President ] resigned, and ] became the acting president of Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|title = YELTSIN RESIGNS: THE OVERVIEW; Yeltsin Resigns, Naming Putin as Acting President To Run in March Election|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/01/world/yeltsin-resigns-overview-yeltsin-resigns-naming-putin-acting-president-run-march.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 1 January 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Celestine|last = Bohlen}}</ref> | |||
2000 | |||
* In January, Gusinsky was elected as the vice president of the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Vladimir A. Gusinsky, photo, biography|url = http://www.persona.rin.ru/eng/view/f/0/10740/vladimir-a-gusinsky|website = www.persona.rin.ru|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* With the Yeltsin's resignation bringing Putin to Acting Presidency, and the subsequent election in May 2000 that brought Putin to power, one of the first publicly criticized acts of new president Putin was the commencement of an investigation against Gusinsky with the goal of putting ] under government control and effectively silencing the opposition.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 1. How NTV was taken away - Limonov vs. Putin|url = http://www.e-reading.club/chapter.php/1002493/57/Limonov_Edward_-_Limonov_vs._Putin.html|website = www.e-reading.club|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Russian Television under Putin {{!}} Časopis pro politiku a mezinárodní vztahy|url = http://www.globalpolitics.cz/clanky/russian-television-under-putin|website = www.globalpolitics.cz|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Putin's Choice|url = http://www.thenation.com/article/putins-choice/|newspaper = The Nation|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0027-8378}}</ref> | |||
* In June, the ] office launched an investigation against Gusinsky for misappropriation of funds in connection with a company "Russian Video". On 13 June, he was arrested in Moscow and incarcerated into the infamous ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Owner of independent TV station in Russia is arrested, imprisoned|url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/2000/06/14/owner-of-independent-tv-station-in-russia-is-arrested-imprisoned/|website = tribunedigital-baltimoresun| date=14 June 2000 |access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schröder |first=Hans-Henning |date=2004-02-03 |title=Politisches System und politischer Prozess |url=https://www.bpb.de/shop/zeitschriften/izpb/russland-281/9419/politisches-system-und-politischer-prozess/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=bpb.de |language=de}}</ref> | |||
* Shortly after his arrest, representatives of the Kremlin proposed to Gusinsky to sell ] to ] at a price that Gazprom-Media sets, 300 million US Dollars, in return for his freedom. Subsequently, this became known as "shares for freedom" transaction or Protocol No. 6 (Протокол N.6. Доля свободы) that was signed by acting ] in his capacity as head of the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky Ruling Leads to a Slippery Slope {{!}} Opinion|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/gusinsky-ruling-leads-to-a-slippery-slope/230809.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117050751/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/gusinsky-ruling-leads-to-a-slippery-slope/230809.html|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION VLADIMIR PUTIN - Prime Minister of the Russian Federation|url = http://archive.premier.gov.ru/eng/premier/press/ru/2464/|website = archive.premier.gov.ru|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Activities|url = http://eng.yabloko.ru/Activities/draft.html|website = eng.yabloko.ru|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Lesin had Gusinsky sign a statement that Gusinsky would "отказ от всех шагов, включая публичные заявления или распространение информации организациями, акционеров и руководителей, которые повредили бы основы конституционного строя и нарушение целостности Российской Федерации, подрыв безопасности государства, разжигание социальной, расовой , национальной или религиозной розни или привести к дискредитации государственных учреждений Российской Федерации. ."<ref>{{cite book | last = Dawisha | first = Karen | author-link = Karen Dawisha | title = Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia? | url = http://willzuzak.ca/cl/putin/Dawisha2014PutinKleptocracy.pdf | publisher = ] | date = 30 September 2014 | isbn = 978-1-4767-9521-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Архангельский | first = Александр | title = Протокол N.6. Доля свободы: Это была сделка заключена между Газпром-Медиа и гражданина Гусинского | language = ru | newspaper = ] | date = 20 September 2000}}</ref>}} | |||
* A public scandal ensued, and the day after Gusinsky's arrest on 14 June, US ] was asked at a press conference about his thoughts on Gusinsky's arrest. Clinton replied that he did not think that people should be arrested for criticism of Kremlin.<ref>{{Cite web|title = William J. Clinton: Remarks on Proposed Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Legislation and an Exchange With Reporters|url = http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=58630|website = www.presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> Moreover, Putin, who was visiting Spain at the time of the arrest, had to answer questions in its connection. One of Putin's answers was – "I do not know anything about it, and cannot get in touch with the ]."<ref>{{Cite news|title = Was Putin Out of the Loop?|url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-15-me-41268-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|date = 15 June 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0458-3035}}</ref>{{efn|] was the Prosecutor General of Russia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1068861.html |title=Russia: Prosecutor-General Steps Down |work=] |last=Parsons |first=Robert |date=2 June 2006 |access-date=18 December 2019}}</ref>}} | |||
* After three days and much public pressure, scandal, and speculation, Gusinsky was released from prison and placed under house arrest on 16 June.<ref>{{Cite news|title = (Un)Civil Societies Report: June 22, 2000|url = http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1347350.html|newspaper = RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date = 22 June 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Military.com Content|url = http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent?file=SL21june|website = www.military.com|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Western Press Review: What Does Gusinsky's Arrest Say About Putin?|url = http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1094166.html|newspaper = RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date = 6 June 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = RUSSIA - GUSINSKY|url = https://fas.org/news/russia/2000/000727-rus1.htm|website = fas.org|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> Several weeks later, in July, he signed an agreement selling all his media assets for 300 million US Dollars.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The Red Web: The Struggle Between Russia's Digital Dictators and the New Online Revolutionaries|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=onIuCgAAQBAJ|publisher = PublicAffairs|date = 8 September 2015|isbn = 9781610395748|first1 = Andrei|last1 = Soldatov|first2 = Irina|last2 = Borogan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = NEMTSOV SAYS PUTIN KNEW WHAT LESIN WAS UP TO.|url = http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=22407&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=214&no_cache=1#.Vik356IqT1w|newspaper = Jamestown|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> The criminal investigation was closed, and Gusinsky immediately left Russia. From that time Gusinsky never returned to Russia.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Charges Dropped Against Russian Media Mogul|url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=83057&page=1|website = ABC News|date = 6 January 2006|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> On his last drive to the Moscow airport, he was accompanied by ], an opposition leader who was assassinated in February 2015 near Kremlin. | |||
* Outside of Russia, Gusinsky repudiated the deal as being executed under duress.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=14 November 2000|title=Arrest Warrant Out for Media Chief|newspaper=]|location=Moscow|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-14-mn-51691-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030457/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/nov/14/news/mn-51691|archive-date=2015-11-17|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2022}}<ref>{{Cite web|title = Russia's Media Morass - Committee to Protect Journalists|url = https://cpj.org/reports/2000/09/russia-sept00.php|website = cpj.org|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Shortly after Gusinsky left Russia, CEO of Gazprom Media ], asked the ] to launch a new investigation against Gusinsky and Media Most,<ref>{{Cite web|title = European Court of Human Rights condemns Russia in media case - Committee to Protect Journalists|url = https://cpj.org/2004/05/european-court-of-human-rights-condemns-russia-in.php|website = cpj.org| date=20 May 2004 |access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = PROSECUTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE THREATENS NEW INVESTIGATION OF MEDIA-MOST.|url = http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=22368&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=214&no_cache=1#.VklBtKIqhIs|newspaper = Jamestown|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> alleging improper use of Gazprom's guarantees to attract credits (at that time Gazprom was a shareholder of 12.5% of Media Most and 30% of NTV). The Prosecutor General's Office asked ] head office in ], France, to issue an international arrest warrant for Gusinsky's detention and extradition.<ref>{{Cite news|title = ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR VLADIMIR GUSINSKY.|url = http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=22549&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=214&no_cache=1#.Vik8oqIqT1w|newspaper = Jamestown|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky Hunt Goes To Interpol {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/paid/2000/12/article/gusinsky-hunt-goes-to-interpol/256928.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030551/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/paid/2000/12/article/gusinsky-hunt-goes-to-interpol/256928.html|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> Interpol's head office declined the Russian request, asking to clarify the reason to make sure it did not violate Interpol Charter, that forbids intervention based on political character.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky battles extradition to Russia|url = https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/gusinsky-battles-extradition-to-russia-1117790537/|website = Variety| date=14 December 2000 |access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|Hoffman|2000|p={{page needed|date=December 2021}}}} Eventually, Interpol firmly refused to issue any warrant of arrest for Gusinsky, and when Russian authorities appealed the refusal the Interpol headquarters firmly upheld their refusal.<ref>{{Cite web|title = News in Brief {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2001/7/article/news-in-brief/252674.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024947/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2001/7/article/news-in-brief/252674.html|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Interpol rejects Gusinsky arrest request |url = http://russiajournal.com/node/7311|website = The Russia Journal|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014356/http://russiajournal.com/node/7311|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* On 17 November, Media Most signed a settlement agreement for Gazprom's guarantees and for current and future obligations (that were maturing in 2001).<ref>{{Cite book|title = News Media and Power in Russia|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=iEsBywrXmQMC|publisher = Routledge|date = 27 September 2006|isbn = 9781134283408|first = Olessia|last = Koltsova}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Media Most, Gazprom sign new debt relief deal|url = http://www.screendaily.com/media-most-gazprom-sign-new-debt-relief-deal/404285.article|website = www.screendaily.com|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref> Immediately after signing the settlement agreement, Gazprom Media's ] wrote to the ] letting him know that the settlement agreement was successfully executed and thanking him for his assistance. Even with this settlement agreement being signed by Gusinsky under a threat of arrest and extradition, Gazprom conceded that Media Most's assets were fairly valued in excess of 1.1 billion ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Auditors Question Worth of Media-MOST {{!}} Business|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/tmt/258571.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117043650/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/tmt/258571.html|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* However, ignoring the settlement agreement, and ignoring the ] head office's refusal to issue the international arrest warrant (due to suspected political motivations for arrest), the Russian local branch of ] circumvented the head office's refusal, went directly to the Spanish local branch of ] and requested it to detain and extradite Gusinsky.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Implications of Vladimir Gusinsky's Arrest|url = http://carnegieendowment.org/2003/09/04/implications-of-vladimir-gusinsky-s-arrest/2ur3|website = Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Russian Media Mogul Arrested in Spain; Moscow Seeks Extradition|url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-13-mn-64881-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|date = 13 December 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0458-3035|first = JOHN|last = DANISZEWSKI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title = Political Developments in Contemporary Russia|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=gMKj1NkvteoC|publisher = Taylor & Francis|date = 7 March 2011|isbn = 9781136849657|first = Ian|last = Jeffries}}</ref> | |||
* On 12 December, Gusinsky was arrested in Spain based on the Russian request. The arrest warrant was issued by Justice ].<ref>{{Cite news|title = An Unwarranted Arrest|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2000/12/13/an-unwarranted-arrest/cd9f3efc-e15f-4c4f-93d1-8dad6b11173f/|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 13 December 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = NTV's Gusinsky Arrested In Spain |url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2000/12/article/ntvs-gusinsky-arrested-in-spain/256704.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 16 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117043644/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2000/12/article/ntvs-gusinsky-arrested-in-spain/256704.html|archive-date = 17 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* On 22 December, Justice ] released Gusinsky from prison and places him under house arrest in Gusinsky's home in southern Spain. The decision to release Gusinsky was strongly criticized in Spain, and was appealed by prosecution, as it is uncommon for a foreigner facing extradition to be released and placed under house arrest.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Gusinsky freed on bail|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1083393.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 22 December 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Russian Mogul Gusinsky Released From Jail in Spain|url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-23-mn-3926-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|date = 23 December 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0458-3035 |agency=Reuters}}</ref> | |||
== Legal confrontation with Kremlin, and later life == | |||
2001 | |||
* In January, Gusinsky filed a case against Russia in the ] for violations of his rights and freedoms.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title = HUDOC - European Court of Human Rights|url = http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-61767|website = hudoc.echr.coe.int|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* In April, the ] rejected the Russian Federation's request for Gusinsky's ].<ref>{{Cite news|title = Spain on Trial|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2001/03/18/spain-on-trial/7ac4f875-7d70-49f0-be81-f340f520c415/|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 18 March 2001|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = WORLD - Spanish High Court rejects extradition|url = http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/spanish-high-court-rejects-extradition.aspx?pageID=438&n=spanish-high-court-rejects-extradition-2001-04-19|website = www.hurriyetdailynews.com|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120060719/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/spanish-high-court-rejects-extradition.aspx?pageID=438&n=spanish-high-court-rejects-extradition-2001-04-19|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> The Spanish court noted that the charges against Gusinsky were politically motivated and in fact did not even constitute a crime – the National Court specifically stated "It is possible to observe in the documents furnished by ... "certain noteworthy and peculiar circumstances which are unusual in the sphere of judicial claims for fraud and which, although they do not in themselves lead to the conclusion that we are dealing with an irregular claim filed for a political purpose, compel the Court to consider argument as not completely without foundation as far as the facts and interferences are concerned and as not inconceivable or discountable on the basis of logical criteria and experience."<ref name=":3" /> Gusinsky was released.<ref>{{Cite web|title = CNN.com - Gusinsky wins extradition battle - April 18, 2001|url = http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/18/spain.gusinsky.02/index.html|website = www.cnn.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Spanish Court Rejects Extradition of Gusinsky|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/19/news/19iht-ntv_ed3__9.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 19 April 2001|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Emma|last = Daly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Spanish Court Releases Gusinsky {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2001/3/article/spanish-court-releases-gusinsky/254387.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120075635/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2001/3/article/spanish-court-releases-gusinsky/254387.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
* In mid April, the Russian Federation conducted raids on the offices of Media Most and NTV.<ref>{{Cite web|title = American Journalism Review|url = http://ajrarchive.org/article.asp?id=178|website = ajrarchive.org|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* Only days after the National Court of Spain decided that charges against Gusinsky were politically motivated and not a crime, the Russian Federation commenced new criminal proceedings against Gusinsky and issued a new arrest warrant, alleging ] of money owed to ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Russia: Gusinsky Laundered $100M {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-gusinsky-laundered-100m/253820.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120085904/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-gusinsky-laundered-100m/253820.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> Again the Russian Federation submitted the request to arrest Gusinsky in his home in Spain,<ref>{{Cite web|title = CNN.com - Russia issues new Gusinsky warrant - April 25, 2001|url = http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/25/spain.gusinsky.02/|website = www.cnn.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> but Gusinsky was not present – he left for Israel.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Russian tycoon flees to Israel|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1295963.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 25 April 2001|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Media Mogul Sought by Russia Leaves Spain|url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-26-mn-56042-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|date = 26 April 2001|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0458-3035|agency = Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Russia: Gusinsky Takes Refuge In Israel|url = http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1096282.html|newspaper = RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date = 25 April 2001|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> Several months later the National Court of Spain dismissed the Russian Federation's new request as baseless. | |||
* In July, the supervisory board of ] recommended to stop any further actions against Gusinsky based on Russian Federation requests. Interpol's secretary general, ], described the case against Gusinsky as having "predominantly political character". In August, Israel refused to extradite Gusinsky to Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|title = INTERPOL CHIEF SAYS THE CASE AGAINST GUSINSKY IS POLITICAL...|url = http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=23285&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=215&no_cache=1#.VkoUm6IqT1w|newspaper = Jamestown|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Russian tycoon held in Athens|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3176219.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 24 August 2003|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Putin's former tormentor held in Athens|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/putins-former-tormentor-held-in-athens-101872.html|website = The Independent| date=25 August 2003 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2002 | |||
* In May, Gusinsky started a new television project – RTV International or ],<ref>{{Cite web|title = RTVi — телеканал, говорящий на весь мир по-русски|url = http://rtvi.com/|website = rtvi.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> that continued what NTV International started – providing unbiased Russian language news for Russian speakers worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The Russians are Here!: Russian TV in America|url = http://ari-kagan.blogspot.com/2009/02/russian-tv-in-america.html|website = The Russians are Here!|date = 22 February 2009|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = For Russian television shows, independence is the exception|url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/2003/09/06/for-russian-television-shows-independence-is-the-exception/|website = tribunedigital-baltimoresun| date=6 September 2003 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* In October, Gusinsky's internet news project , started operating on its new domain name. Prior to this, the project was operating as NTV.ru, but that domain name was given to ], the new owners of NTV. The design for the website was created by an internationally recognized designer: ]. Newsru.com included a highly acclaimed internet resource – – that provided summaries of daily news from foreign print media translated into the Russian language. Currently, the Newsru.com website has more than 65 million page views and 7.5 million unique visitors monthly.<ref>{{Cite web|title = site statistics "NEWSru.com: самые быстрые новости. Видео, фото архив новостей в стране и мире."|url = http://www.liveinternet.ru/stat/newsru.com/index.html?id=0;id=8;date=2015-11-01|website = www.liveinternet.ru|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2003 | |||
* In August, Gusinsky was arrested in ] on another request for extradition from the Russian Federation. Several days later he was released on bail and awaited the decision while under pledge not to depart Athens.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Former Russian Media Baron Detained in Greece, Awaits Extradition Decision|url = https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/media-july-dec03-gusinsky_08-25/|website = PBS NewsHour| date=25 August 2003 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = CNN.com - Ex-Russian media mogul in custody - Aug. 23, 2003|url = http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/08/23/russia.greece.arrest/|website = www.cnn.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Implications of Vladimir Gusinsky's Arrest|url = http://carnegieendowment.org/2003/09/04/implications-of-vladimir-gusinsky-s-arrest/2ur3|website = Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Gusinsky released on bail following pressure on Greece|url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/gusinsky-released-on-bail-following-pressure-on-greece-1.98714|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Russian Media Mogul Out on Bail in Greece - Radio Islam|url = https://www.radioislam.org/islam/english/jewishp/russia/gusinskybail.htm|website = www.radioislam.org|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* In September, while awaiting the Greek court's decision about his extradition, Gusinsky's hotel room was burglarized while he was out to dinner. It was claimed to be a professional job, but police declined to comment on the extent of the items that were taken.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 'Bizarre' Burglary in Gusinsky's Hotel Suite {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/bizarre-burglary-in-gusinskys-hotel-suite/235614.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120053931/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/bizarre-burglary-in-gusinskys-hotel-suite/235614.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = WORLD IN BRIEF|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/09/27/world-in-brief/f8ee00cf-bc0f-4d64-9d59-837e387c373b/|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 27 September 2003|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0190-8286}}</ref> | |||
* In October, after the Athens Court of Appeals examined the charges brought against Gusinsky by the Russian Federation, it refused the extradition request. The Court of Appeals held that the charges alleged against Gusinsky were not unlawful under Greek law.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Greece Refuses to Extradite Gusinsky {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2003/10/article/greece-refuses-to-extradite-gusinsky/235253.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120055205/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2003/10/article/greece-refuses-to-extradite-gusinsky/235253.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Greece rejects Gusinsky extradition call|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2003/10/200849132715397790.html|website = www.aljazeera.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Greece rejects Gusinsky extradition bid|url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/greece-rejects-gusinsky-extradition-bid-1.102767|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = World Briefing {{!}} Europe: Russia: Greece Refuses To Extradite Tycoon|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/15/world/world-briefing-europe-russia-greece-refuses-to-extradite-tycoon.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 15 October 2003|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Erin E. Arvedlund|last = (nyt)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Greece refuses to extradite tycoon|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3190480.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 14 October 2003|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2004 | |||
* In May 2004, the ] held that the arrest and criminal charges against Gusinsky were in violation of Article 5 and Article 18 of the ], stating that the facts of the case established that the prosecution of Gusinsky in Russia was politically motivated and used to intimidate him.<ref>{{Cite web|title = European Court of Human Rights condemns Russia in media case - Committee to Protect Journalists|url = https://cpj.org/2004/05/european-court-of-human-rights-condemns-russia-in.php|website = cpj.org| date=20 May 2004 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Human Rights Court Sides With Gusinsky {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2004/5/article/human-rights-court-sides-with-gusinsky/230870.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120082749/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/2004/5/article/human-rights-court-sides-with-gusinsky/230870.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Court of Human Rights Rules in favor of Gusinsky in suit vs. Russia|url = http://www.pravdareport.com/news/world/20-05-2004/57196-0/|website = PravdaReport| date=27 May 2005 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> The Russian Federation appealed. In November, the ] declined Russian Federation's request to review its decision, thereby upholding its ruling.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
2005 | |||
* Gusinsky consolidated his television production operations into a new holding company named . The company became one of the largest producers of original scripted television dramas for broadcast in prime time in the Russian language,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Forbes {{!}} Владимир Гусинский давно не российский бизнесмен? Это не так|url = http://m.forbes.ru/article.php?id=81889|website = m.forbes.ru|access-date = 23 December 2015}}</ref> selling its productions to a number of Russian television broadcasting networks,<ref>{{Cite web|title = NMDC|url = http://newmediadistribution.com/company|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100219234131/http://www.newmediadistribution.com/company|url-status = dead|archive-date = 19 February 2010|website = newmediadistribution.com|access-date = 23 December 2015}}</ref> including ] and ], as well as to other broadcasters in other Russian speaking areas of the world (or where Russian is widely spoken). In the last 10 years the NMDC has produced over 3,000 original episodes, many of which have won awards and garnered high viewership shares. NMDC also owns a number of pay television thematic channels, including ] (Children's World), ], ] (Our Movies) and Mir Seriala (World of Series). NMDC is headquartered in George Town, the Cayman Islands, and has operating subsidiaries in Russia and a number of other European countries. | |||
* In March, the Israeli police initiated a money laundering probe into the employees and clients of ], Branch 535.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Israel Freezes Some Assets of a Bank Under Inquiry|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/08/business/worldbusiness/israel-freezes-some-assets-of-a-bank-under-inquiry.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 8 March 2005|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0362-4331|first = Erin E.|last = Arvedlund}}</ref> Bank Hapoalim is one of the largest and oldest banks in Israel. Gusinsky was among a number of people who were investigated.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Israeli money-laundering probe widens|url = http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/25c428c0-8f77-11d9-af70-00000e2511c8.html?siteedition=intl#axzz3rxyaAeN0|newspaper = Financial Times|date = 8 March 2005|access-date = 19 November 2015|issn = 0307-1766|first = Sharmila|last = Devi}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Vladimir Gusinsky Lands Successfully - Kommersant Moscow|url = http://www.kommersant.com/p559202/r_1/Vladimir_Gusinsky_Lands_Successfully/|website = www.kommersant.com|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120091546/http://www.kommersant.com/p559202/r_1/Vladimir_Gusinsky_Lands_Successfully/|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky questioned about Hapoalim money laundering - Globes English|url = http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-899654|website = Globes| date=30 March 2005 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> A year later, the Israeli Prosecutor's Office dropped all charges against Gusinsky without any additional conditions or negotiations and with prejudice.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Israel Closes Gusinsky Case {{!}} News|url = http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/israel-closes-gusinsky-case/204477.html|website = The Moscow Times|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120094506/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/israel-closes-gusinsky-case/204477.html|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Envoy and tycoon cleared in £300m fraud inquiry|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/1521282/Envoy-and-tycoon-cleared-in-300m-fraud-inquiry.html|website = Telegraph.co.uk| date=14 June 2006 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Police sources: We had evidence of money-laundering against Gusinsky|url = http://www.haaretz.com/news/police-sources-we-had-evidence-of-money-laundering-against-gusinsky-1.189933|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Prosecution closes money-laundering case against Gusinsky|url = http://www.haaretz.com/news/prosecution-closes-money-laundering-case-against-gusinsky-1.189717|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> Several years later, in 2010, the Israeli courts have determined that the actions of the Prosecutor's Office in this money laundering investigation were excessive and unreasonable and sanctioned the prosecutors involved in the investigation.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Hapoalim vindicated in 'Russian desk' case|url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/hapoalim-vindicated-in-russian-desk-case-1.309635|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Calcalist|url = https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calcalist.co.il%2Flocal%2Farticles%2F0%2C7340%2CL-3415347%2C00.html&edit-text=|website = translate.google.com|access-date = 19 November 2015|publisher = www.calcalist.co.il}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Erring prosecutor in Hapoalim case won promotion|url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/erring-prosecutor-in-hapoalim-case-won-promotion-1.310273|newspaper = Haaretz|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Judiciary: 22 August 2010 at Slippery Slope|url = http://www.hahem.co.il/slipperyslope/en/?p=35|website = www.hahem.co.il|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Globs|url = https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=iw&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.globes.co.il%2Fnews%2Farticle.aspx%3Fdid%3D1000583179|website = translate.google.com|access-date = 19 November 2015|publisher = www.globes.co.il}}</ref> | |||
* In December, Gusinsky created a sister site to , called . While it had an independent editorial board, it retained a similar design as the Russian counterpart. The Israeli site provided Russian language news about Israel's domestic and international affairs as well as world news.<ref>{{Cite web|title = NEWSru.co.il :: Новости Израиля и мира. События на Ближнем Востоке. Фоторепортажи.|url = http://newsru.co.il/|website = newsru.co.il|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> Currently, Newsru.co.il is among the most popular Russian language news sites in Israel. It has an average of 20 million page views and 1.5 million unique visitors monthly.<ref>{{Cite web|title = LiveInternet: Site rating|url = http://www.liveinternet.ru/rating/?search=newsru.co.il&ok=search#period=month;geo=il;|website = www.liveinternet.ru|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2007 | |||
* In first quarter of 2007, Gusinsky decided to create a general entertainment television channel in Ukraine. Gusinsky started to work with an acquaintance, ], to jointly bring the Ukrainian TV project to life.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|url = http://nylawyer.nylj.com/adgifs/decisions/082212ramos.pdf|title = Judgement|last = Ramos|first = Charles Edward|date = 16 August 2012|journal = Supreme Court of the State of New York, Commercial Division}}</ref> | |||
* In April, Gusinsky opened a new sister internet project, this time in Ukraine – , similar to the Russian and Israeli sites, it had an independent editorial board but retained the design, and provided news about Ukrainian's domestic and international affairs and world news. This site was featured both in the Russian and Ukrainian languages.<ref>{{Cite web|title = NEWSru.ua :: Новини України і світу|url = http://www.newsru.ua|website = www.newsru.ua|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151119070437/http://newsru.ua/|archive-date = 19 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> | |||
2008 | |||
* In March, Gusinsky and Kagalovsky jointly put the general entertainment channel in Ukraine on air, naming it ]. ] was quickly and steadily rising in both coverage and popularity.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky, Kagalovsky launch Ukraine cabler|url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gusinsky-kagalovsky-launch-ukraine-cabler-111957|website = The Hollywood Reporter| date=16 May 2008 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2009 | |||
* In the spring, Gusinsky and Kagalovsky began to have disputes about the direction ] was taking. In September, Kagalovsky surreptitiously and, according to him, in a "Russian-Ukrainian way",<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title = Owners Battle for TV Station|url = https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/1960-owners-battle-for-tv-station|website = www.occrp.org|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> diluted Gusinsky's share in TVi from 50% to less than 1%. In December, Gusinsky sued Kagalovsky for theft of TVi, in the ] .<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title = Covington & Burling LLP {{!}} News {{!}} Covington Scores Major Victory for Russian Media Empire|url = https://www.cov.com/en/news/2012/08/covington-scores-major-victory-for-russian-media-empire|website = www.cov.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="law360.com">{{Cite web|title = NY Court OKs $32M Award In TV Network Partnership Fight - Law360|url = http://www.law360.com/articles/532853/ny-court-oks-32m-award-in-tv-network-partnership-fight|website = www.law360.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = New Media Holding Co., LLC v Kagalovsky|url = http://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/appellate-division-first-department/2014/10241-603742-09-650754-09.html|website = Justia Law|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2012 | |||
* In March, Gusinsky sold ] to ], a Russian media executive and businessman.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky sells RTVi for $10 mln to former head of Zvezda TV channel - paper - Interfax|url = http://www.interfax.com/newsinf.asp?id=318775|website = www.interfax.com|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gusinsky's television station bought the former CEO of "Stars"|url = http://newspepper.su/news/2012/3/23/gusinsky39s-television-station-bought-the-former-ceo-of-quotstarsquot/|website = newspepper.su|access-date = 19 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120070956/http://newspepper.su/news/2012/3/23/gusinsky39s-television-station-bought-the-former-ceo-of-quotstarsquot/|archive-date = 20 November 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = The Propaganda of the Putin Era|url = http://imrussia.org/en/component/content/article?id=344:the-propaganda-of-the-putin-era|website = Institute of Modern Russia| date=5 December 2012 |access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
* In August, Gusinky won a judgement against Kagalovsky and his companies for theft of TVi in an amount of over US$30 million. Kagalovsky appealed.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web|title = Covington Scores $30 Million Win in Russian Oligarchs' Manhattan Showdown|url = http://www.americanlawyer.com/id=1202568312919/Covington-Scores-30-Million-Win-in-Russian-Oligarchs-Manhattan-Showdown?slreturn=20151018133133|website = The American Lawyer|access-date = 19 November 2015}}</ref> | |||
2014 | |||
* In April, the ] upheld the judgment against Kagalovsky for theft of TVi.<ref name="law360.com"/> | |||
==Other investments== | |||
Gusinsky had a shareholding in the ] ] team for a period of three and a half years, acquiring 60% of the team in November 2000. | |||
Until November 2008, Gusinsky held 27% of the shares in the prominent Israeli second largest newspaper ], which he exchanged with Bank Hapolaim to settle a debt to the bank.<ref>{{cite news |title=''Maariv'' editors in chief quit over budget discords |newspaper=Haaretz |date=12 May 2009 |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1084850.html }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
He was one of the main forces behind the Moscow Holocaust museum, having lost several family members to the Holocaust.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/1343742/Gusinsky-arrest-raises-fears-for-Russias-Jews.html|title=Gusinsky arrest raises fears for Russia's Jews|last=Gross|first=Tom|journal=Daily Telegraph|date=17 June 2000|access-date=6 March 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> | |||
==Property in Spain== | |||
In ] at ], | |||
in the ], Gusinsky purchased during the early 1990s ''Krusero'' ({{langx|ru|"Крусеро"}}) a {{convert|536|m2|adj=on}} luxurious villa on a {{convert|3500|m2|adj=on}} property.<ref name=Krusero14122000>{{cite news |url=http://www.ng.ru/politics/2000-12-14/3_gusinsky.html |title=Гусинский опять в тюрьме |trans-title=Gusinsky again in prison |work=ng.ru |last1=Романова |first1=Людмила |last2=Кобо |first2=Хуан |date=14 December 2000 |access-date=13 February 2020 |language=ru}}</ref> | |||
During the 1990s, Gusinsky stated that ] is his "financial homeland" and that Spain is his "second home".<ref name=Krusero14122000/><ref name=Kommersant08082000>{{cite news |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/154850 |title=No Comment: Putin's Media Foe Wins Right to Live in Gibraltar |work=] |last1=Tremlett |first1=Giles |last2=Binyon |first2=Michael |translator-last=Малаховский |translator-first=Алексей |via=] |date=8 August 2000 |access-date=13 February 2020 |language=ru}}</ref> He often travels by boat for the {{convert|13|mi|adj=on}} trip from Sotogrande to Gibraltar where his ] jet is kept.<ref name=Kommersant26022007>{{cite news |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/745392 |title=Владимира Гусинского признали потомственным испанцем |trans-title=Vladimir Gusinsky recognized as a hereditary Spaniard |work=] |date=26 February 2007 |access-date=13 February 2020 |language=ru}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist|25em}} | |||
===Works cited=== | |||
* {{Cite book|title = Television and Presidential Power in Putin's Russia|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=mBKsAgAAQBAJ|publisher = Routledge|date = 14 December 2010|isbn = 9781136857553|first = Tina|last = Burrett}} | |||
* {{Cite book|title = The Moscow Bombings of September 1999: Examinations of Russian Terrorist Attacks at the Onset of Vladimir Putin's Rule|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=iuA3BAAAQBAJ|publisher = Columbia University Press|date = 15 April 2014|isbn = 9783838266084|first = John|last = Dunlop}} | |||
* {{Cite book|title = The Oligarchs: Wealth and Power in the New Russia|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=f-vU59IvHmAC&q=gusinsky%252Barmy&pg=PA153|publisher = PublicAffairs|date = 1 January 2011|isbn = 978-1610391115|first = David|last = Hoffman}} | |||
* {{Cite news|title = Russian Media Magnate Arrested at Villa in Spain|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/12/13/russian-media-magnate-arrested-at-villa-in-spain/c99cf364-ad0b-4182-9e3d-d3241fc9a5f9/|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 13 December 2000|access-date = 16 November 2015|issn = 0190-8286|first = David|last = Hoffman}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* Article from the Wall Street Journal which mentions Gusinsky: . | |||
* {{in lang|ru}} | |||
* {{in lang|fr}} | |||
{{Privatization in Russia}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gusinsky, Vladimir}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 00:56, 8 November 2024
Russian media tycoon (born 1952) In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Aleksandrovich and the family name is Gusinsky.
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Vladimir Gusinsky | |
---|---|
Владимир Гусинский | |
Gusinsky in 2005 | |
Born | (1952-10-06) 6 October 1952 (age 72) Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
Nationality | Russian, Israeli, Spanish |
Other names | Goose |
Occupation | Media executive |
Known for | Founder of Media-Most |
Vladimir Aleksandrovich Gusinsky (Russian: Владимир Александрович Гусинский, [vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr ɐlʲɪkˈsandrəvʲɪdʑ ɡʊˈsʲinskʲɪj]; born 6 October 1952) is a Russian media tycoon. He founded the Media-Most holding company that included the NTV free-to-air channel, the newspaper Segodnya, and a number of magazines.
Early life and education
Gusinsky was born into a Jewish family in Moscow on 6 October 1952. In 1969, Gusinsky enrolled in Gubkin Institute of Oil and Gas, however, he did not finish his education there. He joined the USSR Army in 1973 as a Junior Sergeant in the Chemical Intelligence Troops. In 1975, after being demobilized, Gusinsky enrolled in the State Institute for the Study of Theatrical Arts (Russian: ГИТИС English: GITIS). He graduated in 1979 with his graduating diploma work on the staging of "Tartuffe" by Molière, in the Tula State Dramatic Theater.
Early career
1986
- Stage Director for the Ted Turner Goodwill Games in the Kremlin Palace.
- Founded one of the first cooperatives following Perestroika - Cooperative "Metal" - which started to produce metal garages and later copper bracelets and other fashion jewelry in mass quantities.
1988
- Founded the cooperative "INFEKS" under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the USSR, which engaged in consulting of foreign companies entering into the Russian market.
1989
- Created the joint venture "Most", together with APCO (a consulting company owned by the Arnold & Porter Law Firm in Washington DC).
- Gusinsky established "Most Bank", one of the first and one of the largest private retail banks in Russia. The first ATM allowing cash withdrawals in Russia was installed by Most Bank in Russia in 1994.
1992
- Founded a holding company "Most Group". All of Gusinsky's business assets, totaling 42 companies, including Most Bank (Russian: Мост-банк) and a number of construction companies, were integrated into this holding structure.
Involvement in media
1993:
- Gusinsky, together with a number of leading journalists, established Sevodnya, a daily political newspaper.
- In the end of 1993, Gusinsky, together with several leading TV journalists and media experts – such as Igor Malashenko, Evgeni Kiselev and Oleg Dobrodeev – founded the first private television channel in Russia: NTV. NTV's main focus was independent and uncensored news and unbiased political shows, and their slogan was "News Is Our Profession".
1994:
- The First Chechen War started in 1994. NTV provided pro-Chechen coverage of the war and was often critical of the Russian government.
- In December 1994, the President's Secret Service was ordered to attack Gusinsky's offices. As a result, Gusinsky and his family had to leave Russia. Gusinsky was able to return in May 1995, while during his absence NTV and all his other media assets continued their independent editorial policy and coverage of the war.
1996:
- Gusinsky was one of the founders of the Russian Jewish Congress, and in January 1996 was elected its president.
- In February 1996, in Davos, during the World Economic Forum, together with Boris Berezovsky, he organized a meeting of Russia's most prominent businessmen. The group met to decide how to support the Presidential bid of Yeltsin and to prevent the communists from returning to power. Further, the group contacted Anatoli Chubais, the creator and advocate of Privatization, and convinced him to lead and manage Yeltsin's presidential campaign.
- The elections for the President of Russian Federation took place in June 1996 (first round). President Yeltsin was elected in the second round of the election (July 1996). Many international and domestic observers considered these to be the first elections in Russia to approach the western democratic standards.
Consolidation and development of media assets
1996:
- Gazprom, the state owned natural gas giant, became a 30% shareholder of NTV.
- A US based media investor Capital Group became a 5% shareholder in NTV and 5% shareholder in TNT - a regional network.
1997:
- "Most Group" consolidated all its media assets in a new entity - "Media Most". Gusinsky resigned from his positions in "Most Group" and "Most Bank", became president of "Media Most", and focused all his efforts on the development of the media business.
- The new media holding company included NTV, TNT, NTV Plus, Echo Moscow, Publishing house Seven Days, other radio stations, internet development companies, movie studios and media design companies.
- "Media Most" was the largest media holding in Russia and, based on the number of viewers and readers, and possibly one of the largest in Europe. Gusinsky was hailed as the "Rupert Murdoch" of Russia.
- While Gusinsky never participated in privatization – all his assets were created from scratch, in 1997, Gusinsky made his first, and last, attempt at privatization – he bid for the privatizing of the state owned telecommunication giant Svyazinvest. The bid ended unsuccessfully for Gusinsky, and many commentators have accused Gusinsky of using his media assets to influence his bid and it resulted in a large public scandal.
- In mid-1997, a banking consortium led by Credit Suisse First Boston was preparing NTV for a public offering on NASDAQ at a valuation in 1.2 - 1.4 billion US Dollars, with a large portion of the proceeds from the IPO to be used for development of the business.
1998:
- The 1997 Asian Economic Crisis severely impacted the Russian economy in 1998. This led to Russia defaulting on its domestic debts and declaring a moratorium on payments to foreign creditors in August 1998. The financial default put a stop to the NTV's attempted IPO.
- Subsequently, in order to continue "Media Most" development and in anticipation of an economic rebound following Russia's default, "Media Most" received a credit from Credit Suisse First Boston, guaranteed by Gazprom. The money was invested in "Media Most" business development.
- In November 1998, "Media Most" satellite, Bonum 1, built by US Hughes Communications was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. This was the first private commercial satellite in Russia, and for the first time a US built and launched satellite was controlled from the territory of Russia. The satellite provided DTH (Direct to Home) satellite delivery services for "Media Most" NTV Plus.
Confrontation with Kremlin
1999
- An alliance that included President Yeltsin, Yeltsin's relatives, and a group of powerful businessmen, publicly known as the "Family", brought in Vladimir Putin as the successor to President Yeltsin. At the same time, Gusinsky positioned himself outside of the "Family" and as a result he was accused of supporting the election of anti-Kremlin alliance of Primakov & Luzhkov. This was the beginning of the conflict between Gusinsky, the Family, and Putin.
- In September 1999, there were a number of terrorist attacks in Moscow and other cities in Russia. Several buildings were bombed and many people were killed. The Kremlin took the position that Chechen separatists were responsible for the bombings. Around the same time, a group of neighbors residing in an apartment building found a large quantity of explosives in the basement of their building, and reported it to FSB. At that time a group of independent journalist investigators exposed certain facts that connected the explosives with individuals connected with FSB. Gusinsky's NTV decided to take an independent stance and launched an in-depth public journalistic investigation – investigating the possibility that FSB was staging explosions in an effort to influence the upcoming elections. Gusinsky was given an ultimatum to remove this "independent investigation" from NTV, or else face the consequences. Gusinsky refused to end the investigation. Furthermore, a number of independent commentators accused the Kremlin and Putin of organizing the explosions, prompting the new Chechen war, with the goal of increasing Putin's popularity in anticipation of elections. This was the breaking point in the relationship between Gusinsky and the Kremlin, the Family, and Yeltsin's successor Putin.
- On 31 December 1999, President Yeltsin resigned, and Vladimir Putin became the acting president of Russia.
2000
- In January, Gusinsky was elected as the vice president of the World Jewish Congress.
- With the Yeltsin's resignation bringing Putin to Acting Presidency, and the subsequent election in May 2000 that brought Putin to power, one of the first publicly criticized acts of new president Putin was the commencement of an investigation against Gusinsky with the goal of putting NTV under government control and effectively silencing the opposition.
- In June, the Prosecutor General office launched an investigation against Gusinsky for misappropriation of funds in connection with a company "Russian Video". On 13 June, he was arrested in Moscow and incarcerated into the infamous Butyrka Prison.
- Shortly after his arrest, representatives of the Kremlin proposed to Gusinsky to sell "Media Most" to Gazprom-Media at a price that Gazprom-Media sets, 300 million US Dollars, in return for his freedom. Subsequently, this became known as "shares for freedom" transaction or Protocol No. 6 (Протокол N.6. Доля свободы) that was signed by acting Minister Lesin in his capacity as head of the Ministry of Press, Broadcasting and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation.
- A public scandal ensued, and the day after Gusinsky's arrest on 14 June, US President Clinton was asked at a press conference about his thoughts on Gusinsky's arrest. Clinton replied that he did not think that people should be arrested for criticism of Kremlin. Moreover, Putin, who was visiting Spain at the time of the arrest, had to answer questions in its connection. One of Putin's answers was – "I do not know anything about it, and cannot get in touch with the Prosecutor General of Russia."
- After three days and much public pressure, scandal, and speculation, Gusinsky was released from prison and placed under house arrest on 16 June. Several weeks later, in July, he signed an agreement selling all his media assets for 300 million US Dollars. The criminal investigation was closed, and Gusinsky immediately left Russia. From that time Gusinsky never returned to Russia. On his last drive to the Moscow airport, he was accompanied by Boris Nemtsov, an opposition leader who was assassinated in February 2015 near Kremlin.
- Outside of Russia, Gusinsky repudiated the deal as being executed under duress.
- Shortly after Gusinsky left Russia, CEO of Gazprom Media Alfred Koch, asked the Russian Prosecutor General to launch a new investigation against Gusinsky and Media Most, alleging improper use of Gazprom's guarantees to attract credits (at that time Gazprom was a shareholder of 12.5% of Media Most and 30% of NTV). The Prosecutor General's Office asked Interpol's head office in Lyon, France, to issue an international arrest warrant for Gusinsky's detention and extradition. Interpol's head office declined the Russian request, asking to clarify the reason to make sure it did not violate Interpol Charter, that forbids intervention based on political character. Eventually, Interpol firmly refused to issue any warrant of arrest for Gusinsky, and when Russian authorities appealed the refusal the Interpol headquarters firmly upheld their refusal.
- On 17 November, Media Most signed a settlement agreement for Gazprom's guarantees and for current and future obligations (that were maturing in 2001). Immediately after signing the settlement agreement, Gazprom Media's Alfred Koch wrote to the Prosecutor General letting him know that the settlement agreement was successfully executed and thanking him for his assistance. Even with this settlement agreement being signed by Gusinsky under a threat of arrest and extradition, Gazprom conceded that Media Most's assets were fairly valued in excess of 1.1 billion USD.
- However, ignoring the settlement agreement, and ignoring the Interpol head office's refusal to issue the international arrest warrant (due to suspected political motivations for arrest), the Russian local branch of Interpol circumvented the head office's refusal, went directly to the Spanish local branch of Interpol and requested it to detain and extradite Gusinsky.
- On 12 December, Gusinsky was arrested in Spain based on the Russian request. The arrest warrant was issued by Justice Balthazar Garzon.
- On 22 December, Justice Balthazar Garzon released Gusinsky from prison and places him under house arrest in Gusinsky's home in southern Spain. The decision to release Gusinsky was strongly criticized in Spain, and was appealed by prosecution, as it is uncommon for a foreigner facing extradition to be released and placed under house arrest.
Legal confrontation with Kremlin, and later life
2001
- In January, Gusinsky filed a case against Russia in the European Court of Human Rights for violations of his rights and freedoms.
- In April, the National Court of Spain rejected the Russian Federation's request for Gusinsky's extradition. The Spanish court noted that the charges against Gusinsky were politically motivated and in fact did not even constitute a crime – the National Court specifically stated "It is possible to observe in the documents furnished by ... "certain noteworthy and peculiar circumstances which are unusual in the sphere of judicial claims for fraud and which, although they do not in themselves lead to the conclusion that we are dealing with an irregular claim filed for a political purpose, compel the Court to consider argument as not completely without foundation as far as the facts and interferences are concerned and as not inconceivable or discountable on the basis of logical criteria and experience." Gusinsky was released.
- In mid April, the Russian Federation conducted raids on the offices of Media Most and NTV.
- Only days after the National Court of Spain decided that charges against Gusinsky were politically motivated and not a crime, the Russian Federation commenced new criminal proceedings against Gusinsky and issued a new arrest warrant, alleging money laundering of money owed to Gazprom. Again the Russian Federation submitted the request to arrest Gusinsky in his home in Spain, but Gusinsky was not present – he left for Israel. Several months later the National Court of Spain dismissed the Russian Federation's new request as baseless.
- In July, the supervisory board of Interpol recommended to stop any further actions against Gusinsky based on Russian Federation requests. Interpol's secretary general, Ronald Noble, described the case against Gusinsky as having "predominantly political character". In August, Israel refused to extradite Gusinsky to Russia.
2002
- In May, Gusinsky started a new television project – RTV International or RTVi, that continued what NTV International started – providing unbiased Russian language news for Russian speakers worldwide.
- In October, Gusinsky's internet news project Newsru.com, started operating on its new domain name. Prior to this, the project was operating as NTV.ru, but that domain name was given to Gazprom Media, the new owners of NTV. The design for the website was created by an internationally recognized designer: Semyon Levin. Newsru.com included a highly acclaimed internet resource – Inopressa.ru – that provided summaries of daily news from foreign print media translated into the Russian language. Currently, the Newsru.com website has more than 65 million page views and 7.5 million unique visitors monthly.
2003
- In August, Gusinsky was arrested in Greece on another request for extradition from the Russian Federation. Several days later he was released on bail and awaited the decision while under pledge not to depart Athens.
- In September, while awaiting the Greek court's decision about his extradition, Gusinsky's hotel room was burglarized while he was out to dinner. It was claimed to be a professional job, but police declined to comment on the extent of the items that were taken.
- In October, after the Athens Court of Appeals examined the charges brought against Gusinsky by the Russian Federation, it refused the extradition request. The Court of Appeals held that the charges alleged against Gusinsky were not unlawful under Greek law.
2004
- In May 2004, the European Court of Human Rights held that the arrest and criminal charges against Gusinsky were in violation of Article 5 and Article 18 of the Convention on Protection of Human Rights and Basic Freedoms, stating that the facts of the case established that the prosecution of Gusinsky in Russia was politically motivated and used to intimidate him. The Russian Federation appealed. In November, the European Court of Human Rights declined Russian Federation's request to review its decision, thereby upholding its ruling.
2005
- Gusinsky consolidated his television production operations into a new holding company named New Media Distribution Company. The company became one of the largest producers of original scripted television dramas for broadcast in prime time in the Russian language, selling its productions to a number of Russian television broadcasting networks, including NTV and RTR, as well as to other broadcasters in other Russian speaking areas of the world (or where Russian is widely spoken). In the last 10 years the NMDC has produced over 3,000 original episodes, many of which have won awards and garnered high viewership shares. NMDC also owns a number of pay television thematic channels, including Detskii Mir (Children's World), TeleKlub, Nashe Kino (Our Movies) and Mir Seriala (World of Series). NMDC is headquartered in George Town, the Cayman Islands, and has operating subsidiaries in Russia and a number of other European countries.
- In March, the Israeli police initiated a money laundering probe into the employees and clients of Bank Hapoalim, Branch 535. Bank Hapoalim is one of the largest and oldest banks in Israel. Gusinsky was among a number of people who were investigated. A year later, the Israeli Prosecutor's Office dropped all charges against Gusinsky without any additional conditions or negotiations and with prejudice. Several years later, in 2010, the Israeli courts have determined that the actions of the Prosecutor's Office in this money laundering investigation were excessive and unreasonable and sanctioned the prosecutors involved in the investigation.
- In December, Gusinsky created a sister site to Newsru.com, called Newsru.co.il. While it had an independent editorial board, it retained a similar design as the Russian counterpart. The Israeli site provided Russian language news about Israel's domestic and international affairs as well as world news. Currently, Newsru.co.il is among the most popular Russian language news sites in Israel. It has an average of 20 million page views and 1.5 million unique visitors monthly.
2007
- In first quarter of 2007, Gusinsky decided to create a general entertainment television channel in Ukraine. Gusinsky started to work with an acquaintance, Konstantin Kagalovsky, to jointly bring the Ukrainian TV project to life.
- In April, Gusinsky opened a new sister internet project, this time in Ukraine – Newsru.ua, similar to the Russian and Israeli sites, it had an independent editorial board but retained the design, and provided news about Ukrainian's domestic and international affairs and world news. This site was featured both in the Russian and Ukrainian languages.
2008
- In March, Gusinsky and Kagalovsky jointly put the general entertainment channel in Ukraine on air, naming it TVi. TVi was quickly and steadily rising in both coverage and popularity.
2009
- In the spring, Gusinsky and Kagalovsky began to have disputes about the direction TVi was taking. In September, Kagalovsky surreptitiously and, according to him, in a "Russian-Ukrainian way", diluted Gusinsky's share in TVi from 50% to less than 1%. In December, Gusinsky sued Kagalovsky for theft of TVi, in the Supreme Court of New York Commercial Division.
2012
- In March, Gusinsky sold RTVi to Ruslan Sokolov, a Russian media executive and businessman.
- In August, Gusinky won a judgement against Kagalovsky and his companies for theft of TVi in an amount of over US$30 million. Kagalovsky appealed.
2014
- In April, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the judgment against Kagalovsky for theft of TVi.
Other investments
Gusinsky had a shareholding in the Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball team for a period of three and a half years, acquiring 60% of the team in November 2000.
Until November 2008, Gusinsky held 27% of the shares in the prominent Israeli second largest newspaper Maariv, which he exchanged with Bank Hapolaim to settle a debt to the bank.
He was one of the main forces behind the Moscow Holocaust museum, having lost several family members to the Holocaust.
Property in Spain
In San Roque at Sotogrande, in the Province of Cádiz, Gusinsky purchased during the early 1990s Krusero (Russian: "Крусеро") a 536-square-metre (5,770 sq ft) luxurious villa on a 3,500-square-metre (38,000 sq ft) property.
During the 1990s, Gusinsky stated that Gibraltar is his "financial homeland" and that Spain is his "second home". He often travels by boat for the 13-mile (21 km) trip from Sotogrande to Gibraltar where his Gulfstream jet is kept.
See also
Notes
- Lesin had Gusinsky sign a statement that Gusinsky would "отказ от всех шагов, включая публичные заявления или распространение информации организациями, акционеров и руководителей, которые повредили бы основы конституционного строя и нарушение целостности Российской Федерации, подрыв безопасности государства, разжигание социальной, расовой , национальной или религиозной розни или привести к дискредитации государственных учреждений Российской Федерации. ."
- Vladimir Ustinov was the Prosecutor General of Russia.
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- Tremlett, Giles; Binyon, Michael (8 August 2000). "No Comment: Putin's Media Foe Wins Right to Live in Gibraltar". Kommersant (in Russian). Translated by Малаховский, Алексей. Retrieved 13 February 2020 – via The Times.
- "Владимира Гусинского признали потомственным испанцем" [Vladimir Gusinsky recognized as a hereditary Spaniard]. Kommersant (in Russian). 26 February 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
Works cited
- Burrett, Tina (14 December 2010). Television and Presidential Power in Putin's Russia. Routledge. ISBN 9781136857553.
- Dunlop, John (15 April 2014). The Moscow Bombings of September 1999: Examinations of Russian Terrorist Attacks at the Onset of Vladimir Putin's Rule. Columbia University Press. ISBN 9783838266084.
- Hoffman, David (1 January 2011). The Oligarchs: Wealth and Power in the New Russia. PublicAffairs. ISBN 978-1610391115.
- Hoffman, David (13 December 2000). "Russian Media Magnate Arrested at Villa in Spain". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
External links
- Article from the Wall Street Journal which mentions Gusinsky: In Russia, a Top Rabbi Uses Kremlin Ties to Gain Power.
- His biography(in Russian)
- ECHR judgment(in French)
- Vladimir Gusinsky
- 1952 births
- Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- European Court of Human Rights cases involving Russia
- Fugitive financiers
- Israeli businesspeople
- Israeli Jews
- Living people
- Russian oligarchs
- Mass media people from Moscow
- Businesspeople from Moscow
- Russian emigrants to Israel
- Russian Jews
- Russian mass media owners
- Russian newspaper publishers (people)
- Russian politicians
- 21st-century Spanish businesspeople
- Russian emigrants to Spain
- Naturalized citizens of Israel
- Naturalised citizens of Spain
- Spanish people of Russian-Jewish descent
- Russian businesspeople in Israel
- Inmates of Butyrka prison