(WAN/IFEX) – In a 15 October 2001 letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed grave concern at the attempted murder of newspaper editor Aleksei Frolov. According to reports, on 2 October unknown assailants attempted to assassinate Frolov, chief editor of the weekly “Novaya gazeta” Ryazan bureau, together with his […]
(WAN/IFEX) – In a 15 October 2001 letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed grave concern at the attempted murder of newspaper editor Aleksei Frolov.
According to reports, on 2 October unknown assailants attempted to assassinate Frolov, chief editor of the weekly “Novaya gazeta” Ryazan bureau, together with his family. The attackers sprayed poisonous gas into the keyhole of the front door of Frolov’s apartment. However, Frolov, his pregnant wife, his mother and friends who were visiting managed to escape before being overcome by the fumes.
Although the motive for the attack remains unknown, WAN and the World Editors Forum are concerned that it might be related to Frolov’s publishing activities. In reporting the incident, “Novaya gazeta” notes that is “one of the most uncompromising publications in the region.”
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– urging him to ensure that a thorough investigation into the attempted murder of Frolov is carried out and that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice
– urging him to do everything in his power to create an environment in which journalists are able to carry out their profession free from violence
Appeals To
His Excellency Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
The Kremlin
Moscow, Russia
Fax: +7 095 206 5173 / 206 6277
E-mail: russia@un.int (c/o permanent representative to United Nations)Please copy appeals to WAN.
