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A State-Within-a-State

How far is Putin's Russia prepared to embrace its Muslim citizens?

The Tatars, many of whom are practising Muslims, are Russia’s second largest ethnic group. The leader of their republic President Shaimiev treads a fine path between a mixed Tatar and Russian population. But how far is Putin's Russia prepared to embrace ethnic diversity in its Muslim citizens, and who really runs this state-within-a-state?

"Of course we have freedom of speech here. The press criticise me all the time" says President Shaimiev. "They just have to show responsibility."

Written and presented by Bridget Kendall.

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22 minutes

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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Archive

This programme was restored as part of the World Service archive project