Vladimir Putin forced to defend himself after he's asked why all of his political rivals are dead or in prison

Vladimir Putin has been forced to defend himself after being asked about his political rivals.

Per ABC7 News, ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott quizzed the Russian president while attending a press conference in the aftermath of Putin's first in-person meeting with Joe Biden in Geneva this week.

Scott asked Putin why all of his political rivals are either dead or in prison, leaving the politician noticeably uncomfortable.

Per the above publication, Scott stated:

"The list of your political opponents who are dead, imprisoned, or jailed is long. Alexey Navalny's organization calls for free and fair elections, an end to corruption.

"But Russia has outlawed that organization, calling it extremist. And you now have prevented anyone who supports him to run for office.

"For my question for you Mr. President: What are you so afraid of?"

Putin replied by attacking Navalny’s organization, stating that the group wants to cause "mass disorder."

Scott then reiterated: "You didn't answer my question, sir. If all of your political opponents are dead or in prison, poisoned, doesn't that send a message that you do not want a fair political fight?"

This left Putin even more uncomfortable, and he compared the incarceration of his political opponents in Russia to the arrests of Black Lives Matter protesters and Capitol rioters over the course of the last year.

Credit: Alamy/ITAR-TASS News Agency

On social media, a number of Twitter users have praised Scott for her journalistic integrity.

One person tweeted the reporter to state: "@rachelvscott you were dynamite today. Excellent work. I hope you have many future opportunities to ask the questions we all want to ask. [sic]"

YouTuber Devin Lytle wrote: "Can you imagine standing up in front of one of the most dangerous men in the world, with cameras on you, and STRAIGHT UP asking him what exactly his deal is? NO? Me either.

"But @rachelvscott did that. Today. To Putin. Vladimir Putin, you heard of him? I'm speechless.[sic]"

Another wrote: "In all seriousness please protect Rachel Scott from the Russians and prevent them giving her an 'accident.'"

While someone else added: "Can we get Rachel Scott both a Pulitzer AND witness protection for a single question? [sic]"

Featured Image Credit: Peter Cavanagh/Alamy