Was America's ABC television network right to broadcast an interview with Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev?
In the interview, the warlord, who had claimed the hostage-taking attack on a Russian school in Beslan last year admitted he was a terrorist. But he said the Russians were terrorists too.
The Russian foreign ministry summoned a senior US diplomat in Moscow to express its "strong indignation" over the broadcast on ABC's Nightline programme on Thursday.
Should Shamil Basayev have been interviewed by ABC? What do you think of the Russian reaction?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion received so far:
Terrorists want to be recognized and publicize their agenda. Giving them air time is simply giving them what they want. We are trying to fight and prevent terrorist acts, yet journalists are encouraging them by allowing them to go on TV and say what they want. It was wrong for ABC to broadcast such a disgraceful interview.
Chris, US
Yes they should have, because the world has the right to know the truth. It's only after hearing both sides can we decide who is right or wrong. Why shouldn't the Chechens have independence?
Rita Valencia, Tampa, FL
"While ABC had the right to give Basayev a forum, I consider it poor judgement to do so"
I don't care for what Basayev has to say. His actions speak volumes. But I'm all for it to be made public. I would hate that someone, in some kind of administration makes a decision on what is appropriate for me to know and what is not.
Karla, Zagreb, Croatia
I hope the Russian people realize that ABC and other TV and media are not controllable by the US government. ABC never should have shown this interview and I suspect they will suffer financially as angry viewers turn them off. However, as much as I detest them for doing this, I defend their right to do so because freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential to a free society.
Ray, Fort Lauderdale, USA
ABC was wrong to broadcast the interview. Although everyone has the right to know both sides of the story, the interview with a terrorist is propaganda of evil, which the whole world is fighting against. These interviews could encourage young confused kids to take wrong sides and end up being brainwashed to fight against their fellow men.
Sasha, Moscow, Russia
"Let the public come to its own conclusions about these people"
What's wrong with airing that? I can't give a judgement without learning the problems from both sides. Moreover we won't gain anything by being sensitive all the time. Stop whining and let's face the problems to find a solution for both sides.
Sherry, San Francisco, CA, USA
I would love to see the press use better judgement. More often than not though, it seems they are more driven by ratings than by any sense of morality or ethics. What this man did, and what he stands for is an abomination before all of mankind. Giving voice to his kind lends it a legitimacy that it does not need.
Len, Ohio, United States
For all those who applaud the fairness of this broadcast and are so much interested in both sides of the story: there is no other side of the story when innocent children and women are slaughtered by terrorists. Would you applaud if ABC interviews Bin Laden just to get the both sides of the story?
NK, New York, USA
"They should have alerted the authorities"
While I think they should have every right to decide what they want to air, I think it is reckless and irresponsible to let mass murderers such as this terrorist have a forum. The Russian reaction is pretty much in line with most here in the US as ratings for mainstream media are in huge decline over past several years.
Barry, Columbus, OH, US
ABC did the right thing. The interview showed him as the monster he really is. That in turn might dissuade others from giving him any support or sympathizing with his cause.
Bill, Milwaukee, USA
A major step in understanding why terrorists attack established entities is to understand the terrorists themselves. Basayev should be allowed to broadcast his point of view to the world - whether he speaks from the heart or simply to promote controversial propaganda. If all we hear is one side of the story, then we fight a blind war.
Patrick, Washington DC, USA
"We interview serial killers and other criminals"
I've seen some responses referring to the collective 'West' regarding this. ABC is privately owned. They are free to show what they want, even if it's something that the rest of the US populous disagrees with. ABC is after ratings and shock value. Nothing more.
John B, Pennsylvania, USA
To those who accuse America of double standards, it should be remembered that Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, was interviewed by American television. I'm sure if Bin Laden were interviewed, Americans might express their revulsion at his crimes, but they would tune in to see what twisted things were coming out of his mouth.
Chris, US
Theoretically, the media has a responsibility to its viewers to present all facts and opinions. ABC attempted to help their viewers understand. It is similar to Time Magazine publishing an interview with a man who intends to be a suicide bomber. The American media does this sort of thing with people who intend to hurt Americans, too. The idea is to help others understand.
Megan, Portland, Oregon, USA
"Living in a democracy should ensure the right to hear all points of view"
Terrorism has nothing to do with freedom of speech or the right to know the facts. Its goal is just the opposite. The foolish idea of any political correctness in allowing the broadcast of interviews with these cold-blooded murderers is beyond absurd.
J Thompson, California USA
Giving anyone who kills innocent people a voice in the media only serves to give them the publicity they want. It never should have been aired.
Don, Sterling, USA
The US government can't prevent ABC, a private company, from broadcasting interviews like this, but the media have to acknowledge that modern terrorism thrives on publicity of this type.
Sue, New Jersey, USA
"Let the world hear their side of the argument"
To the Russians - We ARE united in the war on terror. ABC's lapse in judgement or sensitivity does not reflect the views of most Americans. There is no justification for 9/11, for Beslan, for 7/7, or Sharm....
Kathy, USA
If we allowed these people an outlet for their message, however radical or offensive it may be, they might not feel compelled to find other, more violent means to get our attention. Silencing them only makes them more desperate.
Matt, San Francisco, USA
People who are able to sacrifice innocent children's lives in pursuit of their political and religious goals should not have been offered a free broadcasting time on any TV or radio station.
Dragana Polovina-Vukovic, Ottawa, Canada
No nation should have dual standards when it comes to condemning and fighting violence and terrorism of any form. Airing of interviews whether of Osama or Basayev should be condemned as well.
Aks, Tulsa, USA
What useful purpose this interview will serve? You are helping the terrorists.
JD, Ottawa, Canada
ABC did the right thing. And if the Russian controlled TV does an interview with Osama Bin Laden that would be ok too. What the world needs is more freedom of speech not less.
Rif, Sioux Falls, USA
"Opinions have to be formed after all parties are heard"
Kudos to Nightline for having the courage to present that interview. All sides of the Chechen story should be presented.
Lucy, USA
I cannot believe that ABC's interview is more important that turning Basayev in to authorities. This guy killed hundreds of kids.
Jes Wheeler, USA
I am very disappointed in the US for airing this interview. Russia has every reason to be upset with us. When does 'freedom of speech' line start to wear out its meaning?
Verdeana Linnean, Idaho, USA
Far too often journalists will argue that their right to report on events or people creating them should not be hampered or scrutinized, for that would be, God forbid, censorship. These media 'professionals' seek out foul characters such as Basayev only to stir controversy.
Kevin, Reno USA
"They are giving the terrorist organizations the legitimacy they are looking to seek"
This man admits to taking innocent school children hostage, and should be denied his liberty, let alone an international platform for his views.
Steven McDaniel, Sand Springs, OK, USA
Of course the interview should have been aired. It is not often that we get to hear both sides of any conflict.
Sam, US
Yes they did the right thing. We need both sides of the story. A free press for a free world.
James Care, Paris, France
"We applaud them for their fairness and courage to broadcast this interview"
ABC was without question wrong to broadcast this interview. Any group that murders innocent people as a policy is a terrorist organization. All such groups should be ostracized and denied what they desire most, a forum for their views.
John, Lake Shawnee, NJ, USA
If Basayev had slaughtered American school children and ABC aired an interview with him, I wonder if ABC would withstand the backlash of American people. So much for the cooperation in the war on terror.
Andrei, Moscow, Russian Federation
The West is yet again only seeing what it wants to see, and supports terrorists with one hand while fighting them with another.
Dima, Moscow, Russian
"The public has a right to know the facts"
Of course ABC should have interviewed Basayev. After all, that is what freedom of speech is all about! However, I do think that the Russians should now throw in an interview with Osama bin Laden and see how the US reacts.
Michel, Geneva, Switzerland
ABC shouldn't have interviewed Shamil Basayev. This interview sets a dangerous precedent for others to follow. Why give a terrorist hero status?
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA
Responsible journalism will present all sides of the story. I can remember when the BBC used to do a hilarious lip-synching act with Gerry Adams because of UK government regulations against broadcasting the words of Irish militants. Russia's indignation is just as ridiculous and will be, I'm sure, equally ignored.
John Kearney, Toronto, Canada
"ABC should not have aired that interview"
It's just as upsetting for us Americans to see Al-Jazeera interview Osama Bin Laden. So I clearly see the Russian point of view.
Matthew Powers, Austin, Texas USA
How would Americans feel if Russian TV interviews Osama Bin Laden and broadcasts it?
Sankara Muthali, Toronto, Canada
Television stations should never give an international platform to terrorists who kill innocent people.
John C, New York, USA
How would the US Government react if a Russian network with the global reach of ABC interviewed Bin Laden about 9/11 and in so doing were seen to establish a level of legitimacy that the terrorist did not have before the interview?
Nigel Darwent, Trinidad and Tobago
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