Suspected Plague Case Exposes Russia's Soviet-Era Secrecy Culture

The suspicious death last week of a worker at a research lab in Siberia has fueled global concerns about suspected pneumonic plague. The incident is just the latest example of how Russia manages the official narrative. The Kremlin has long maintained a culture of secrecy when it comes to controlling public information, especially involving accidents – from industrial disasters to health emergencies. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Commentator Douglas Herbert explains how this secrecy is rooted in Soviet-era practices and continues to shape Russia's response to crises. The lack of transparency raises concerns about the true extent of the outbreak and the potential for wider transmission. The case underscores the challenges of monitoring public health threats in a country where information is tightly controlled. International observers are calling for greater openness to ensure global health security.