NUJ, 05.08.2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have called on the Russian authorities to carry out an immediate and through investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of journalist Timur Kuashev.

According to IFJ affiliate, the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ), Kuashev, 26, a special correspondent for Russia’s Dosh Magazine and editor of the Caucasian Knot web portal, went missing on Thursday 31 July and was found dead in the suburbs of Nalchik, in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic, located in the North Caucasus.

The cause of his death is still unclear, but the RUJ says that those close to him suspect he was murdered. His body was found in a wooded area but there was no sign of bruising, violence or gunshot wounds.

The RUJ has demanded an immediate and detailed investigation into Kuashev’s death so that the facts of the case can be confirmed and action can be taken if there is evidence that a crime may have been committed.

The union has also stated that it continues to demand further investigations into all crimes that have been carried out against journalists in the Caucasus region in recent years.

IFJ President, Jim Boumelha, said:

“We join our affiliate, the Russian Union of Journalists, to demand that Russian authorities carry out a thorough investigation into this case so that the facts can be uncovered and justice can prevail.
“We repeat our call for journalists working in the region to remain vigilant at all times and to take every measure necessary to guarantee their safety. Kuashev was known for his anti-arbitrary stance at all levels, including governmental, and repeatedly spoke out against illegal actions.”
In mid-May Kuashev was detained at a funeral procession in connection with the 150th anniversary of the end of the war in the Caucasus.

The original publication