Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Putin says rape comment was 'lost in translation'

Henry Meyer,Ap
Saturday 21 October 2006 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Kremlin has tried to explain away President Vladimir Putin's joke about rape charges against Israel's President, blaming difficulties in translating from Russian to English.

Mr Putin's comment to the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Moscow appeared to be a joke about 60-year-old President Moshe Katsav. "Say hello to your President, he really surprised us," Mr Putin said to Mr Olmert as reporters were being ushered out. "I met him. He didn't look like a guy who could be with 10 women."

But Russia's Kommersant daily claimed Mr Putin said: "He turns out to be a really powerful guy. He raped 10 women ... We all envy him."

Deputy Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "In no way can [it] be considered as an approval of raping women or an appreciation of such a potential action. Sometimes, translation from Russian into English does not reflect the essence of a joke. This was such a case."

Israeli police have recommended that Mr Katsav be charged with rape, aggravated sexual assault and misconduct with women staff. He denies any wrongdoing.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in