The public discussion about Stalin shows how free we are - observer

Dmitry Babich from Russia Profile magazine believes that Russia now has real freedom, including the freedom to say whatever people really think about Stalin.

Monday, December 21st marks 130 years since the birth of Joseph Stalin, one of the most polarizing figures in Russian world history.

“I think the situation now is closer to normal than it was in the late ’80s when he was denounced by the state media, because now people have real freedom," Babich said. "Those who like Stalin can say what they think. Those, who dislike him can say what they think. And it’s natural that after 30 years of, I would say, forced negativism towards him, we have polarity of views.”