In a poignant story from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Margarita Murakhtaeva reflects on her mother Irina Slavina’s tragic self-immolation in 2020, calling it an act of protest against the lack of freedom and individual expression in the country. As the daughter of a respected journalist who faced persecution for her work, Murakhtaeva now carries on her mother’s legacy, aspiring to be a journalist herself.
Slavina, known for her investigative reporting on corruption through her website Koza, ultimately succumbed to the oppressive media environment in Russia. Her death marked a turning point for Murakhtaeva and her determination to continue the fight for truth and justice in a society plagued by indifference and government censorship.
As Murakhtaeva navigates her path as a journalist, she grapples with the worsening situation in Russia and the challenges faced by independent media. Despite the obstacles, she remains steadfast in honoring her mother’s memory and upholding the values of integrity and transparency in journalism.