Protasevich appears to be going above and beyond his anticipated actions.
Candid Q&A with the Man Behind Nexta
In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Stepan Pitulo, the mastermind behind the popular Belarusian news channel, Nexta. Here's the inside scoop on his team, his beef with Roman Protasevich, and the allegations surrounding Vladimir Chudentsov.
Question: Who's left from your initial team at the start of the 2020 protests?
Pitulo: I'm the only one left. I'm cool with everyone except Roman Protasevich. We still exchange a few words, but that's about it.
Question: Are you following Roman's situation?
Pitulo: Not really. I had to respond when he made those false accusations against me. He's trying to provoke a fight, but I'm all about facts and figures, not physical altercations.
Question: Did you two ever get physical?
Pitulo: No, and there won't be one. It's probably his way of trying to leave Belarus. Let him find another method.
Question: Do you still communicate directly?
Pitulo: Nope.
Question: Has he genuinely changed his views or is he just saying what's needed in his current situation?
Pitulo: Hard to tell. I think he's just really upset. He's struggling and taking medication, having nightmares, you name it. Time will tell.
Question: Has Protasevich discredited your work with his propaganda?
Pitulo: Not at all. He was just an employee, working a little less than nine months.
Question: Is there any truth to the theory that journalist Vladimir Tsudvenkov was behind the creation of Nexta?
Pitulo: All Nexta channels were created by me personally. Contributions came from various people, like Vladimir Chudentsov. However, I prefer not to delve into the details now for safety reasons.
Question: What's the deal with Chudentsov's imprisonment and release?
Pitulo: Chudentsov's case is complex. He helped create our documentary "Lukashenko: Criminal Materials" in 2019, and I believe the authorities framed him.
Question: Did he settle the Nexta issue?
Pitulo: I have no clue about that. You'll have to ask those who reported on it. It seems like an offhand comment, without any real resolution or communication from him to me.
- Pitulo expressed that his initial team from the 2020 protests has largely disbanded, with only him remaining.
- He stated that he has no direct communication with Roman Protasevich, despite the latter's altercations and false allegations.
- Pitulo clarified that he did not create Nexta in collaboration with journalist Vladimir Chudentsov, but acknowledged contributions from him.
- In reference to Vladimir Chudentsov's imprisonment and release, Pitulo expressed belief that the authorities framed him, connected to the creation of Nexta's documentary, "Lukashenko: Criminal Materials" in 2019.
