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HR defender Natalia Estemirova found murdered

Natalia Estemirova, famous human rights defender from Russian Human Rights Centre ‘Memorial’ was found murdered today at about 16:30 in hundred meters distance from the federal road Kavkaz near the village of Gazi Iurt of Nazran district, the Republic of Ingushetia.

Published: July 15, 2009 Author: HRHF / Tamuna Bolkvadze

The local law enforcement bodies as well as Vladimir Markin, the official representative of Investigatory Committee at Office of Public Prosecutor of the Russian Federation, have already confirmed the information.

News agency Interfax informs that the documents discovered near the body are on the name of Estemirova. The body has two gunshot wounds – one in the head and another in the area of thorax.

Earlier today ‘Memorial‘ informed that Estemirova was abducted at about 8:30 near her house in Grozny, the Republic of the Chechen Republic. She was forcefully placed into a white car ВАЗ-2107 but she managed to shout that she was being abducted. ‘Memorial’ also found the witnesses of the abduction.

Natalia Estemirova was one of the prominent human rights defenders and leading representatives of ‘Memorial’ in Caucasus. Her work has been appraised by many international awards in the field of human rights.

Documents:

Protest letter

In Memory of Natalia Estemirova, by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee

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Russian Federation

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