Renowned Russian journalist and outspoken Putin critic, Alexei Zimin, has been found dead in his rented apartment in Belgrade. Serbian authorities have launched an investigation, but details regarding the cause of death remain unclear.
Zimin, who relocated to Belgrade following increasing pressure and threats in Russia for his anti-war views, was discovered a week after his passing. Media reports in Serbia indicate that the discovery was made after the apartment’s landlord had been trying unsuccessfully to reach him for several days.
Alexei Zimin was a vocal opponent of the war in Ukraine, leading to significant backlash from Russian authorities. His activism extended to his professional life as well; Zimin was well-known as the host of the cooking show “Cooking with Alexei Zimin” on Russia’s NTV network. The show was abruptly canceled after he posted a video featuring an anti-war song, which political opposition figures like Ilya Ponomarev claimed was directly due to his public anti-war statements.
Beyond his work in media, Zimin also had a background as a chef and restaurateur, blending journalism with his culinary expertise. His sudden death has raised concerns among journalists and advocates for freedom of expression, especially in light of his opposition to the Kremlin’s policies.
