The following is a 2 March 2000 IFJ media release: Journalist Shot Dead in Chechnya THE International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest organisation of journalists, has reacted with concern over the death of ITAR-TASS photojournalist Vladimir Yatsina. The IFJ has learned that Yatsina was kidnapped and taken to Chechnya in July 1999 while leaving […]
The following is a 2 March 2000 IFJ media release:
Journalist Shot Dead in Chechnya
THE International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest organisation of journalists, has reacted with concern over the death of ITAR-TASS photojournalist Vladimir Yatsina.
The IFJ has learned that Yatsina was kidnapped and taken to Chechnya in July 1999 while leaving the Ingushetia capital Nazran. A month later, kidnappers contacted his family and demanded a ransom of two million dollars. In November, they demanded the same amount from the TASS management.
According to an eyewitness account, Yatsina was killed on February 20th as a group of hostages was being moved to the village of Shatoi. Due to health problems, Yatsina was unable to move quickly. Approximately 5 kilometres away from the village, gunmen shot him dead.
His body has not been recovered yet, slowing down the investigation process.
