The IFJ review, presented at a conference in Moscow hosted by the Russian Union of Journalists on June, 15 shows that of the 313 journalists’ deaths in the Russian Federation since 1993
– Up to 124 have died as a direct result of their journalism;
– 18 were clearly murdered for their journalism and another 19 cases reveal strong evidence to suggest they were also killed for their work, most of whom died outside and far from Moscow;
– 189 of the deaths appear to be unrelated to their work.
The report reveals that the total impunity that existed for killers of journalists until 1997 has gradually receded.
The ten cases brought to trial of journalists killed for their work since 1997 saw a 50 per cent conviction rate. Of these, however, only two led to the jailing of all those responsible for the murder.
The report confirms that the masterminds of attacks on journalists are getting away with murder. Over the past 15 years those who ordered the killings and arranged for the hiring of assassins and their payment have hardly ever been charged, let alone prosecuted.
Analyses of some cases reveal the weaknesses of the investigations by police and the prosecutor’s office, especially when dealing with the targeted killings of journalists.
The report also includes some recommendations to the Russian authorities.
"The world journalists’ community is grateful to all the monitors and researchers who worked hard to produce the most outstanding record of journalists killed in the Russian Federation," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "It is now up to government agencies, prosecutors and the police to act swiftly in bringing the killers to justice and to make journalism safer."
