16 July 2009

Statement on Killing of Human Rights Activist in Russia

Calls on Russian authorities to bring killers to justice

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
July 15, 2009

STATEMENT BY IAN KELLY, SPOKESMAN

Russia: Killing of Human Rights Activist Natalya Estemirova

The United States is deeply saddened by reports of the abduction and murder of respected human rights activist Natalya Estemirova. We call upon the Russian government to bring those responsible to justice.

A member of the NGO Memorial HRC in the North Caucasus, Natalya Estemirova was uncompromising in her willingness to reveal the truth regardless of where that might lead. She was devoted to shining a light on human rights abuses, particularly in Chechnya, and received a number of international awards for her brave work, including the 2007 Anna Politkovskaya prize by the Nobel Women's Initiative and awards from the Swedish and European parliaments. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family.

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