(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 27 July 2000 letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, CPJ expressed its deep sadness further to the 26 July killing of Sergey Novikov, owner of the independent radio station Vesna in the city of Smolensk. Novikov, 36, was shot and killed in the stairwell of his apartment building at around 9:00 […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 27 July 2000 letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, CPJ expressed its deep sadness further to the 26 July killing of Sergey Novikov, owner of the independent radio station Vesna in the city of Smolensk.
Novikov, 36, was shot and killed in the stairwell of his apartment building at around 9:00 p.m. (local time) on 26 July. The killer, who remains at large, shot him four times and then escaped through a back door, according to Russian and international news reports.
Novikov’s employees believe the murder was politically motivated, since the station has often criticized the government of Smolensk Province. They point to Novikov’s participation in a 23 July television broadcast during which he and other local journalists discussed the alleged corruption of the provincial deputy governor.
Apparently, Novikov received death threats earlier this year after announcing his intent to run for the governorship of Smolensk Province. He then petitioned the local prosecutor’s office for protection and permission to carry a weapon.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– calling on him to ensure that Smolensk authorities carry out a thorough and complete investigation into the murder of Novikov, so that those responsible may be punished to the full extent of the law
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:His Excellency Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Fax: +7 095 206 5173/206 6277Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
