As the election campaign for the lower house of the Russian Parliament, the State Duma, gets under way, political parties are finding different ways to get publicity. The Liberal Democratic Party is planning to put Andrey Lugovoy, the man wanted in the UK over the death of Aleksandr Litvinenko, on their list of candidates.
Mr Lugovoy, who receives lots of media attention both in Russia and worldwide, says he originally had no political ambitions, but changed his mind after becoming the centre of a diplomatic row between London and Moscow.
“Firstly, I would like to confirm the words of the Liberal Democrat Party leader, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who said I will take part in the election campaign as number two,” Andrey Lugovoy stated before going on to say:
“I have been involved in politics over the past three months against my wishes. I was a businessman, but no longer, thanks to the disgusting policy of British prosecutors which led to this political hysteria. With the situation being highly politicised by British opponents, I find myself in the midst of a political wave of interest in me.”
If Mr Lugovoy is elected to Parliament, he would automatically become immune to prosecution.
Lib Dems’ ‘big gamble’
Russia's Liberal Democrats leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky had earlier said that Andrey Lugovoy is to be the party’s number two during December's parliamentary elections:
“I head the party election list. Andrey Lugovoy will be number two. He is a victim. He came under attack from British intelligence,” Mr Zhirinovsky announced.
The Liberal Democratic Party is in third place for the elections according to a recent poll. Yet it still doesn’t have enough support to pass the new 7% barrier set to enter the State Duma.
Posing as a pro-reform centrist force, the Liberal Democrats are known for making controversial statements to draw public attention. They are also taking an anti-Western stance on various domestic and international issues, including the Litvinenko murder case.
RT’s political commentator Peter Lavelle believes such a move by the Liberal Democrats could have been expected:
“The party is taking a big gamble. Historically it’s a party of personalities. Mr Zhirinovsky is very popular here and entertaining. I think the same thing will happen to Mr Lugovoy – he’ll become some kind of magnet.”
Libel lawsuit
Meanwhile, Mr Lugovoy has started legal proceedings against Russian newspaper Kommersant over an article linking him with the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko. In an article entitled "Boris Berezovsky enrolled as a spy", the paper described Mr Litvinenko as Mr Lugovoy's victim.
Mr Lugovoy says this is libellous and is seeking 20 million roubles (more than $US 700,000) in compensation and for the statement to be retracted. A court will consider the allegations next week.
The editor-in-chief of Kommersant admits that the newspaper used incorrect wording in referring to the Russian businessman Andrey Lugovoy in the article.
Lugovoy for the Parliament
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Originally Posted by KaerMorhen
Because Zhirik is a perfect and dangerous debateer and clever man. He can defeate anyone. A man of great tallent. It's too bad that he is a politic. he must be an actor or film/theater dirrector.
