| The YABLOKO party considers the murder of Paul Khlebnikov
an extremely serious political event. We regard it as intimidation against
foreign journalists in Russia. It aims to frighten everyone investigating
facts and impartially trying to get to the bottom of developments in our
country.
This crime reveals two things. First of all the authorities in Russia
do not want to fulfil their obligations in protecting either Russia’s
citizens or the citizens of another countries, especially, if their activities
do not comply with the interests of regime. A serious independent investigation
is required if we want to draw more definite conclusions.
Secondly criminal elements are directly involved in politics. At the
very least they have already crossed the border for public people including
individuals who were well-known internationally: Starovojtova, Yushenkov,
Governor Tsvetkov, Paul Khlebnikov …
Why is this happening? Who is allowing this to happen, who is aiding
and abetting these crimes? Who wants to intimidate everyone?
Foreign journalists have always considered Moscow one of the most prestigious
places to work - now it is becoming a very dangerous place.
The YABLOKO party expresses its solidarity with foreign journalists
working in Russia. We believe international journalists have made a very
important contribution to the creation of a free, democratic and modern
state in Russia. Our country desperately needs honest, clever and professional
journalism.
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO will do its best to prevent the
recurrence of such tragedies.
Paul Khlebnikov was a fearless man. He loved Russia and believed in
its bright and fair future. However, he mistakenly believed that this
future had already arrived. Please accept my deep condolences concerning
the death of your comrade.
Grigory
Yavlinsky
See also:
Freedom
of Speech and Media Law in Russia
| 