Ep 18. Bill Browder

Bill Browder, a businessman and activist, sits down with Jon Stewart for an exclusive interview for The Daily Show's season 20 episode 18. Browder has been a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his regime, and has been leading a campaign to expose corruption and human rights abuses in Russia. In this episode, Browder shares his personal story of how he became a target of the Russian government, and how he eventually became a human rights defender and anti-corruption advocate.

Browder begins by sharing how he originally went to Russia in the 1990s as an investor, looking to take advantage of the country's privatization efforts. However, he quickly found himself caught up in the corruption and cronyism that was rampant in the business world there. Browder's investment firm, Hermitage Capital Management, became one of the largest foreign investors in Russia, but they also found themselves constantly battling with officials who were seeking to extract bribes and other favors.

Browder's problems with the Russian government came to a head in 2005, when his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, was arrested and tortured to death in a Moscow prison. Magnitsky had been investigating a massive tax fraud scheme in which officials had stolen $230 million from the Russian government and transferred it to offshore accounts. When Magnitsky tried to bring the fraud to light, he was arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment that eventually led to his death. Browder tells Stewart that Magnitsky's death was a turning point for him, and that he has been on a mission to seek justice and accountability for his friend ever since.

Browder's efforts to seek justice for Magnitsky have taken him on a global crusade to expose corruption and human rights abuses in Russia. He has pushed for legislation in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, that would impose targeted sanctions on Russian officials involved in Magnitsky's death and other human rights violations. Browder tells Stewart that this campaign has been extremely successful, and that over 50 officials have been hit with asset freezes and travel bans as a result.

In addition to discussing his campaign for justice, Browder also talks to Stewart about his personal life and the toll that his activism has taken on it. He shares how he has been the target of several assassination attempts orchestrated by the Russian government, and how he has had to take extensive security measures to protect himself and his family. Browder also talks about how his activism has caused a rift with his brother, who is a senior member of the British Conservative Party and has vocally criticized Browder's efforts.

Throughout the interview, Browder's passion for justice and his commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable is evident. He tells Stewart that he believes his campaign is making a real difference, and that he is motivated by the knowledge that he is fighting for what is right. The episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up to corruption and oppression, and of the bravery of individuals like Browder who are willing to take a stand for what they believe in.