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President Voices Concern Over Russian Media Mogul's Arrest

Aired June 14, 2000 - 6:05 p.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: And U.S. President Bill Clinton is joining the chorus of concern over the arrest of a prominent Russian media tycoon. Vladimir Gusinsky was arrested Tuesday in a move widely seen as revenge for his Media-Most holding company's criticisms of the government of President Vladimir Putin.

CNN White House correspondent Major Garrett reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MAJOR GARRETT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Washington suspected the shadow of Russian repression in the arrest. President Clinton dispatched diplomats to the Kremlin to learn more.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I do not believe people should be arrested solely because of what they say in exercising their role as members of the press. I don't believe that, and I think the United States has to take a very firm position on that.

GARRETT: Russian authorities say they arrested Gusinsky on suspicion of embezzling $10 million in state funds, but no charges were filed. He can be in prison without being charged for 10 days. His attorneys says the case is trumped up.

PAVEL ASTAKHOV, GUSINSKY ATTORNEY (through translator): The person is summoned in the evening as a witness. Immediately, he is turned into a suspect, or he is charged, arrested and the investigator, or to be more exact the police, have enough time to work on the client. That takes place in the prison cell.

GARRETT: Gusinsky's media empire includes newspapers, magazines, television, and radio, including one which featured an interview with President Clinton earlier this month. Gusinsky's also among Russia's top Jewish leaders, and his arrest has rekindled Jewish fears of anti- Semitism.

Last month, Gusinsky accused a top Kremlin official of offering him $100 million to go easy on then presidential candidate Vladimir Putin, now Russia's new president.

A product of Russia's secret police, Putin tried to quiet the crisis, claiming he knew nothing about the arrest. VLADIMIR PUTIN, PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA (through translator): Frankly speaking, I can say that I'm concerned about what's happening there.

GARRETT: One U.S. lawmaker, who travels regularly to Russia, says the Gusinsky case could dampen U.S. business confidence in Putin and Russia.

REP. CURT WELDON (R), PENNSYLVANIA: When these kinds of things happen, it sends chills down the backs of American business people who wonder if they're going to be next.

GARRETT (on camera): The Clinton administration and U.S. businesses have been impressed with Putin's energy and intellect. But they've been searching for signs of a commitment to democracy and press freedom. On that front, Gusinsky's arrest is raising new questions.

Major Garrett, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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