Bill Browder Exposes Putin’s Threats and the Magnitsky Act

In a revealing interview, Bill Browder, an American investor who made his fortune in post-Soviet Russia, discusses the ongoing threats he faces from the Russian government, including death threats and eight Interpol arrest warrants issued against him. Browder's conflict with Vladimir Putin began after he became an advocate for the Magnitsky Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian individuals involved in human rights abuses. Browder's lobbying efforts led to the act being adopted by at least 35 countries. He describes the psychological toll of living under constant threat, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant amidst moments of fear and normalcy. Additionally, he recalls an infamous summit where Putin publicly mentioned his name, a tactic Browder interprets as an indication of how agitated the Russian leader is about his activism. The Magnitsky Act, named after Sergei Magnitsky, who died in Russian custody after exposing corruption, aims to freeze assets of human rights violators. Browder's experience sheds light on the implications of standing up against autocratic regimes and the ongoing challenge of protecting human rights in Russia and beyond.