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Revision as of 14:32, 13 April 2008 editKrawndawg (talk | contribs)1,360 edits →Claims by dissenters that Vladimir Putin was behind the murder: removing controversial section that wasn't consented on in talk← Previous edit Revision as of 16:50, 13 April 2008 edit undoHodja Nasreddin (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Pending changes reviewers31,217 edits restoring an important section per talk and removing some duplicate materialsNext edit →
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{{neutral|date=april 2008}}
{{Infobox Person {{Infobox Person
|name=<small>Анна Степановна Политковская</small><br />] |name=<small>Анна Степановна Политковская</small><br />]
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|occupation= ] |occupation= ]
}} }}
⚫ The '''] of ]''', the ]n ] and ] activist, took place on Saturday, ] ]. She was well-known for her opposition to the ] and criticism of Russian president ].<ref>World Politics Review LLC,, 31 Oct 2006</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6035133.stm|title=Anna Politkovskaya: Putin's Russia|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> She authored several books about Chechen wars as well as ] and received numerous prestigious international awards for her work.


⚫ The '''] of ]''', the ]n ], ] and ] ], took place on Saturday, ] ]. She was well-known for her opposition to the ] and criticism of Russian president ].<ref>World Politics Review LLC,, 31 Oct 2006</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6035133.stm|title=Anna Politkovskaya: Putin's Russia|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> She authored several books about Chechen wars as well as ] and received numerous prestigious international awards for her work.
⚫ She was ] on the way to ], but survived and continued her reporting. Her murder, widely perceived as a ], sparked a strong international reaction.

⚫ She had been previously arrested and subjected to ] by Russian military forces in Chechnya. She was ] on the way to ], but survived and continued her reporting. Her murder, widely perceived as a ], sparked a strong international reaction.


==The murder== ==The murder==
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On ] ], hundreds rallied in downtown Moscow to protest the murder of Anna Politkovskaya and the ].<ref name="Georgia">{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/08/europe/EU_GEN_Russia_Protest.php|title=500 people rally in Moscow to protest journalist's murder, crackdown on Georgians|publisher=The ]|date=2006-10-08|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> The demonstration was described by the Moscow-based liberal '']'' radio station as ''"the largest protest rally of the opposition recently held in Russia."''<ref name="Ekho Moskvy">{{cite web|language=Russian|url=http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/337481.html|title=Многочисленная акция памяти Анны Политковской прошла в центре Москвы на Пушкинской площади|publisher=The Ekho Moskvy radio|date=2006-10-08|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> During the day following information about Politkovskaya's death, there was a demonstration and memorial consisting of 500 people in ], as well as 300 people gathering in ]. Further rallies and vigils took place in other Russian cities, including St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Saratov and Krasnoyarsk, as well as London, Paris, New York, and Washington.<ref name="More demonstrations">{{cite web|url=http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?volume_id=416&issue_id=3894&article_id=2371554|title=Ingush Police Break Up Rally Honoring Politkovskaya|date=2006-10-19|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> On ] ], hundreds rallied in downtown Moscow to protest the murder of Anna Politkovskaya and the ].<ref name="Georgia">{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/08/europe/EU_GEN_Russia_Protest.php|title=500 people rally in Moscow to protest journalist's murder, crackdown on Georgians|publisher=The ]|date=2006-10-08|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> The demonstration was described by the Moscow-based liberal '']'' radio station as ''"the largest protest rally of the opposition recently held in Russia."''<ref name="Ekho Moskvy">{{cite web|language=Russian|url=http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/337481.html|title=Многочисленная акция памяти Анны Политковской прошла в центре Москвы на Пушкинской площади|publisher=The Ekho Moskvy radio|date=2006-10-08|accessdate=2006-10-09}}</ref> During the day following information about Politkovskaya's death, there was a demonstration and memorial consisting of 500 people in ], as well as 300 people gathering in ]. Further rallies and vigils took place in other Russian cities, including St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Saratov and Krasnoyarsk, as well as London, Paris, New York, and Washington.<ref name="More demonstrations">{{cite web|url=http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?volume_id=416&issue_id=3894&article_id=2371554|title=Ingush Police Break Up Rally Honoring Politkovskaya|date=2006-10-19|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref>

⚫ On ], 2,000 demonstrators called Putin a "murderer" during his visit to ], ].<ref name="Dresden">{{cite web|url=http://www.welt.de/data/2006/10/10/1066630.html|title=Putin mit "Mörder, Mörder"-Rufen empfangen|language=German|date=2006-10-10|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Die Welt}}</ref><ref name="demonstraters">{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,441835,00.html|title=Putin in Dresden mit "Mörder"-Rufen empfangen|language=German|date=2006-10-10|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Der Spiegel}}</ref><ref name="Murderer taunt">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/10/11/wputin11.xml|title=Putin faces 'murderer' taunt as journalist is buried|language=|date=2006-10-11|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Telegraph}}</ref>. Putin replied
⚫ :"This journalist was indeed a sharp critic of the present Russian authorities... but the degree of her influence over political life in Russia was extremely insignificant. She was well-known in journalistic circles, among human rights activists, in the West. I repeat, her influence over political life in Russian was minimal."<ref> October 11, 2006</ref> And in my opinion murdering such a person certainly does much greater damage from the authorities’ point of view, authorities that she strongly criticized, than her publications ever did."<ref> October 10, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/world/15723288.htm|publisher=A.P.|title=Mourners pay homage to slain journalist|language=|accessdate=2006-10-10|date=2006-10-10}}</ref> <ref name="Putin">{{cite web|url=http://www.kommersant.com/p712110/r_527/Putin_visit_Germany/|title=Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel Work Together|publisher=Kommersant|language=|accessdate=2006-10-11|date=2006-10-11}}</ref></blockquote>


A day after the murder more than one thousand people (later estimation: over 3000) gathered at the Russian embassy in ], ] to pay their respects to Politkovskaya (according to '']'' article published on October 22, there were about 3000 people). The demonstration was silent, with people holding candles. Two of Politkovskaya's books have been published in Finland as translated editions.<ref name="Silent demonstration">{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/More+than+1000+attend+vigil+for+murdered+Russian+journalist/1135222176400|title=More than 1,000 attend vigil for murdered Russian journalist|date=2006-10-09|accessdate=2006-10-10|publisher=HS.fi}}</ref> A day after the murder more than one thousand people (later estimation: over 3000) gathered at the Russian embassy in ], ] to pay their respects to Politkovskaya (according to '']'' article published on October 22, there were about 3000 people). The demonstration was silent, with people holding candles. Two of Politkovskaya's books have been published in Finland as translated editions.<ref name="Silent demonstration">{{cite web|url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/More+than+1000+attend+vigil+for+murdered+Russian+journalist/1135222176400|title=More than 1,000 attend vigil for murdered Russian journalist|date=2006-10-09|accessdate=2006-10-10|publisher=HS.fi}}</ref>
Young Finnish musicians wrote a song in Politkovskaya's memory. The song is titled ''"Uuden ajan kynnyksellä — laulu Anna Politkovskajalle"'' ("On the Threshold of a New Era — A Song for Anna Politkovskaya") and it was recorded on 19 October in Helsinki. The song is released on the Internet on 20 October for free (although donations to are accepted) and an accompanying music video will be released on YouTube. If there's enough demand, a CD single will also be produced. Young Finnish musicians wrote a song in Politkovskaya's memory. The song is titled ''"Uuden ajan kynnyksellä — laulu Anna Politkovskajalle"'' ("On the Threshold of a New Era — A Song for Anna Politkovskaya") and it was recorded on 19 October in Helsinki. The song is released on the Internet on 20 October for free (although donations to are accepted) and an accompanying music video will be released on YouTube. If there's enough demand, a CD single will also be produced.

==Claims that Vladimir Putin was behind the murder==
Soon after Politkovskay death, former Russian state security officer ] accused ] of personally ordering the assassination of Politkovskaya and stated that a former presidential candidate ] warned Politkovskaya about threats to her life coming from Russian president. Litvinenko said that he advised Politkovskaya to escape from Russia immediately. Hakamada denied her involvement in passing any specific threats, and said that she warned Politkovskaya only in general terms more than a year ago.<ref>{{ru icon}}{{cite web| first = | last = | title = Ирина Хакамада о партийном строительстве и экономической ситуации в России| publisher = Svoboda News| date = ] ]| url = http://www.svobodanews.ru/Transcript/2006/12/04/20061204200017950.html| accessdate = 2006-12-07 }}</ref> It remains unclear if Litvinenko referred to an earlier statement made by ] who claimed that former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia ] received a word from Hakamada that Putin threatened her and like-minded colleagues in person. According to Berezovsky, Putin uttered that Hakamada and her colleagues "will take in the head immediately, literally, not figuratively" if they "open the mouth" about the ].<ref>Live interview with Berezovsky by ], Radio ], 11 June 2006. , .</ref>

Two weeks after this statement ]. Two days before his death, he decided to write a statement, in case he "does not make it". He said: "''Name the bastard. Anya Politkovskaya did not do it, so I will, for both of us"'' according to ]. <ref> ] and Marina Litvinenko. ] Free Press, New York, 2007. ISBN 978-1416551652, page 328. </ref>. He said in his last statement:
:"You may succeed in silencing one man but the howl of protest from around the world will reverberate, Mr Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life. May God forgive you for what you have done, not only to me but to beloved Russia and its people."

⚫ On ], 2,000 demonstrators called Putin a "murderer" during his visit to ], ].<ref name="Dresden">{{cite web|url=http://www.welt.de/data/2006/10/10/1066630.html|title=Putin mit "Mörder, Mörder"-Rufen empfangen|language=German|date=2006-10-10|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Die Welt}}</ref><ref name="demonstraters">{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,441835,00.html|title=Putin in Dresden mit "Mörder"-Rufen empfangen|language=German|date=2006-10-10|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Der Spiegel}}</ref><ref name="Murderer taunt">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/10/11/wputin11.xml|title=Putin faces 'murderer' taunt as journalist is buried|language=|date=2006-10-11|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=Telegraph}}</ref>. Putin replied
⚫ :"This journalist was indeed a sharp critic of the present Russian authorities... but the degree of her influence over political life in Russia was extremely insignificant. She was well-known in journalistic circles, among human rights activists, in the West. I repeat, her influence over political life in Russian was minimal."<ref> October 11, 2006</ref> And in my opinion murdering such a person certainly does much greater damage from the authorities’ point of view, authorities that she strongly criticized, than her publications ever did."<ref> October 10, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/world/15723288.htm|publisher=A.P.|title=Mourners pay homage to slain journalist|language=|accessdate=2006-10-10|date=2006-10-10}}</ref> <ref name="Putin">{{cite web|url=http://www.kommersant.com/p712110/r_527/Putin_visit_Germany/|title=Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel Work Together|publisher=Kommersant|language=|accessdate=2006-10-11|date=2006-10-11}}</ref></blockquote>

Former KGB officer ] also believed that the murders of ], ], Politkovskaya, Litvinenko and others mean that ] has returned to the old ] practice of political assassinations ordered by the government<ref></ref>.<ref name="Andrew"> *] and ], ''The ]: The KGB in Europe and the West'', Gardners Books (2000), ISBN 0-14-028487-7 </ref>. Gordievsky was poisoned himself later, allegedly by a Russian agent .

Politkovskaya was killed at Putin's birthday. Later, in February ], historian ] and political scientist ] noted<ref> ] and ]) ''The Age of Assassins. The Rise and Rise of Vladimir Putin'', Gibson Square Books, London, 2008, ISBN 190-614207-6; pages 248-250</ref> that none of the official suspects has any personal motifs to kill her. This led them to suggest several possible contractors: "the central leadership of the secret service - as a birthday present for Putin" or "], also as a birthday present for Putin, in the hopes of receiving a present in return - the presidency of Chechnya (the hope was realized)".


==Case developments== ==Case developments==
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In late ] of ] police arrested ten suspects believed to have been involved in the murder. Prosecutor ] stated that the plotters aim was to start a crisis to destabilise Russia. The suspects included members of a ] as well as a number of former FSB agents <ref>http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6965253.stm</ref>. In late ] of ] police arrested ten suspects believed to have been involved in the murder. Prosecutor ] stated that the plotters aim was to start a crisis to destabilise Russia. The suspects included members of a ] as well as a number of former FSB agents <ref>http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6965253.stm</ref>.


===Official reports by Russian authorities=== ===Official statements by Russian authorities===

On ], ], Russia's Prosecutor-General ]<ref> Chaika was appointed to his current position by Putin on ], ] </ref> had a meeting with ] and ] director ], during which he made an official announcement that On ], ], Russia's Prosecutor-General ]<ref> Chaika was appointed to his current position by Putin on ], ] </ref> had a meeting with ] and ] director ], during which he made an official announcement that
:"Our investigation has led us to conclude that only people living abroad could be interested in killing Politkovskaya," and that "Forces interested in de-stabilising the country, in stoking crisis...in discrediting the national leadership, provoking external pressure on the country, could be interested in this crime. Anna Politkovskaya knew who ordered her killing. She met him more than once."<ref name="statement"> </ref> :"Our investigation has led us to conclude that only people living abroad could be interested in killing Politkovskaya," and that "Forces interested in de-stabilising the country, in stoking crisis...in discrediting the national leadership, provoking external pressure on the country, could be interested in this crime. Anna Politkovskaya knew who ordered her killing. She met him more than once."<ref name="statement"> </ref>
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Chaika also said that Politkovskaya's killers are probably connected with the murders of deputy Central Bank head ] and U.S. journalist ].<ref name="dispute"/> The person noted by Chaika as organizer of the murder was unequivocally identified in the media as ]<ref name="dispute"> , By Brian Whitmore, ], ], ] </ref> The statement by Chaika was supported by ], who had been indicted by British court with regard to the ]. Lugovoy said that Berezovsky had organized the murders of Politkovskaya, ], and the attempted murder of ].<ref> Aug. 29, 2007</ref> Chaika also said that Politkovskaya's killers are probably connected with the murders of deputy Central Bank head ] and U.S. journalist ].<ref name="dispute"/> The person noted by Chaika as organizer of the murder was unequivocally identified in the media as ]<ref name="dispute"> , By Brian Whitmore, ], ], ] </ref> The statement by Chaika was supported by ], who had been indicted by British court with regard to the ]. Lugovoy said that Berezovsky had organized the murders of Politkovskaya, ], and the attempted murder of ].<ref> Aug. 29, 2007</ref>


⚫ On ] ], Investigating Committee of the Persecution Office of Russia ] (suspended of his duty under allegations of taking bribes, though the interview was taken before his suspension) told the press that he is convinced that Politkovskaya's murder was masterminded by ]<ref> ] ] ] {{ru icon}}</ref> and carried out by ]" <ref> ] Retrieved on April 6, 2008</ref>. Berezovsky dismissed the accusations in an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio. "This is another attempt to distract the investigation from searching for the real person behind the murder," he said.
On ] ], ], it was reported that the suspected killer of journalist Anna Politkovskaya was identified.<ref> ] Retrieved on March 28,2008</ref> The suspect was not named, but the official, Vyacheslav Smirnov, said "all measures are being taken to find and detain him".


According to the investigators the assassination was ordered by the former chief of Chechen ], ]. A former ] agent, Pavel Ryaguzov provided the murderers with the home address of Anna Politkovskaya <ref> ] {{ru icon}} </ref>
⚫ On ] ], Investigating Committee of the Persecution Office of Russia ] (suspended of his duty under allegations of taking bribes, though the interview was taken before his suspension) told the press that he is convinced that "Politkovskaya's murder was masterminded by ]<ref> ] ] ] {{ru icon}}</ref> and carried out by ]". <ref> ] Retrieved on April 6, 2008</ref> Dovgy said that the murder was aimed at undermining confidence in law and order in Russia. He said the organizers "wanted to show that well-known people can be killed here in broad daylight, with the law enforcement agencies seemingly unable to solve such crimes". Berezovsky dismissed the accusations in an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio. "This is another attempt to distract the investigation from searching for the real person behind the murder," he said.


===Press reports=== ===Press reports===
Soon after her death, Yaroshevsky, deputy editor of ''Novaya Gazeta where she worked,'' said: ''"The first thing that comes to mind is that Anna was killed for her professional activities. We don't see any other motive for this terrible crime."'' <ref> , by ]</ref> He said Politkovskaya gave an interview to ]/] last week in which she said she was a witness in a criminal case against ] in connection with abductions in Chechnya - a case based on her reporting. In that same interview, she called Kadyrov the "] of our days". <ref> , ], </ref> Soon after her death, Yaroshevsky, deputy editor of ''Novaya Gazeta where she worked,'' said: ''"The first thing that comes to mind is that Anna was killed for her professional activities. We don't see any other motive for this terrible crime."'' <ref> , by ]</ref> He said Politkovskaya gave an interview to ]/] last week in which she said she was a witness in a criminal case against ] in connection with abductions in Chechnya - a case based on her reporting. In that same interview, she called Kadyrov the "] of our days". <ref> , ], </ref>

In an interview with ] on ] ], ] said the murder was a provocation against the authorities and she was chosen and killed as a "sacral offering," but he said the authorities "would nevertheless do everything possible to complete the investigation." He reiterated that Politkovskaya did not "play any significant role in the political life of Russia" and called speculations about her being dangerous for Russian authorities "nonsense." Putin added that he respects unselfish and honest people regardless of whether they are politicians or journalists. "Truly independent people, who are unafraid of spoiling relationships with bosses and of losing their jobs, and who write exactly what they think, are very few," he said.<ref> ] Retrieved on April 11, 2008</ref>


On ] ], ], it was reported that the suspected killer of journalist Anna Politkovskaya <ref> ] Retrieved on March 28,2008</ref> is 30-years old Chechen Rustam Makhmudov, a brother of Ibragim, Rustam and Gzhebrail Makhmudovs also arrested on suspicion on complicity to Politkovskaya assasination.<ref name=kp_rustam> ] ] ]</ref> On ] ], ], it was reported that the suspected killer of journalist Anna Politkovskaya <ref> ] Retrieved on March 28,2008</ref> is 30-years old Chechen Rustam Makhmudov, a brother of Ibragim, Rustam and Gzhebrail Makhmudovs also arrested on suspicion on complicity to Politkovskaya assasination.<ref name=kp_rustam> ] ] ]</ref>


According to ], the Politkovskaya assassination was organized by members of Russian special services, and someone in the Russian law enforcement agencies protects the killers by openly disclosing the materials of the criminal case. <ref name="Agents"> by Sergei Sokolov, 06.04.2008</ref> The report asserts that traces of the killers lead to a gang of ] <ref name="Agents"/>, a former FSB officer who organized a bombing in Moscow in ] and was allegedly involved in the 1999 ]. <ref name="Assassins"> ] and ]) ''The Age of Assassins. The Rise and Rise of Vladimir Putin'', Gibson Square Books, London, 2008, ISBN 190-614207-6; </ref>
On ] ] Russian tabloid ] reported that "Special services’ agents" were among those to organize the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, "but they are being covered with publishing the secret materials of the criminal case." ''"The question here is not about a total plot by special services (let this be left for American action movies) or about omnipresent Berezovsky (let that be left for state TV journalists and those who need the topic for saving one’s career). The problem is how to understand: who serves whom and when? When the criminal agents serve to particular officers from special agencies and when particular officers serve the interests of their criminal agents? It seems to me that they themselves have confused about that as they get their dividend out of any configuration of their relationships. But to find out who exactly performed the murder of Anna Politkovskaya and who organized that crime, it will be necessary to see exactly into that configuration."''<ref name="Agents"> by Sergei Sokolov, 06.04.2008</ref>


⚫ ==Possibly related developments==


==Possibly connected deaths==
Assassination of Politkovskay was discussed in media in connection with deaths of other critics of ] <ref> , by Michael Specter, ], January 29, 2007 </ref> Assassination of Politkovskay was discussed in media in connection with deaths of other critics of ] <ref> , by Michael Specter, ], January 29, 2007 </ref>

⚫ ===Litvinenko poisoning===
⚫ {{main|Alexander Litvinenko poisoning}}
] was a former ] and ] ] living in the ]. An outspoken critic of President Putin and Russia's Chechnya policy, Litvinenko was investigating the death of Politkovskaya when he fell mysteriously ill after a meeting at a ] sushi bar on ]-].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6180682.stm|title=Radiation found after spy's death|publisher=BBC|date=2006-11-24|accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article649568.ece|title=Who did it? Five theories of Litvinenko's demise|publisher=The Times|date=2006-11-26|accessdate=2006-05-16}}</ref>

He was taken to London's ] where it was initially thought that he had been poisoned with the toxic metal ]. After suffering a ] on ], Litvinenko's condition deteriorated rapidly and he died the following day. On ] a "major dose" of ] was discovered in his body. Other traces of the ] substance were also found at his home, a hotel and the sushi bar where he first become ill. Before he died Litvinenko made a statement accusing Russian president Vladimir Putin of involvement in the attack. ], the First Deputy ] to Mr. Putin, dismissed the allegation as "sheer nonsense".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6180682.stm|title=Radiation found after spy's death|publisher=BBC|date=2006-11-24|accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref>


===Killing of Movladi Baisarov=== ===Killing of Movladi Baisarov===
{{main|Assassination of Movladi Baisarov}} {{main|Assassination of Movladi Baisarov}}

On ], ], former pro-government Chechen commander and FSB officer ] was shot dead in Moscow. Allegedly, Baisarov intended to give evidence that would show his political opponents' guilty of kidnapping and murder, and give testimony about the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya. On ], ], former pro-government Chechen commander and FSB officer ] was shot dead in Moscow. Allegedly, Baisarov intended to give evidence that would show his political opponents' guilty of kidnapping and murder, and give testimony about the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya.


Novaya Gazeta journalist ] that his newspaper was preparing to publish information linking Baisarov's murder with that of Anna Politkovskaya. Izmailov, who worked closely with Politkovskaya on her stories about ]s in Chechnya, said former Grozny ] ] had come to paper's offices two weeks after she was murdered and said armed men close to Ramzan Kadyrov had been sent to Moscow with orders to kill three people: Politkovskaya, Baisarov and Gantamirov himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2372631|title=Were Baisarov and Politkovskaya on the same hit list?|publisher=Chechnya Weekly|date=2006-11-22|accessdate=2007-05-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/12623429/the_low_post_bushs_buddy_vlad_is_getting_out_of_hand/4|title=Vladimir "Pooty-Poot" Putin, Bush's buddy, is getting out of hand|publisher=Rolling Stone|date=2006-11-21|accessdate=2007-05-16}}</ref> Novaya Gazeta journalist ] that his newspaper was preparing to publish information linking Baisarov's murder with that of Anna Politkovskaya. Izmailov, who worked closely with Politkovskaya on her stories about ]s in Chechnya, said former Grozny ] ] had come to paper's offices two weeks after she was murdered and said armed men close to Ramzan Kadyrov had been sent to Moscow with orders to kill three people: Politkovskaya, Baisarov and Gantamirov himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2372631|title=Were Baisarov and Politkovskaya on the same hit list?|publisher=Chechnya Weekly|date=2006-11-22|accessdate=2007-05-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/12623429/the_low_post_bushs_buddy_vlad_is_getting_out_of_hand/4|title=Vladimir "Pooty-Poot" Putin, Bush's buddy, is getting out of hand|publisher=Rolling Stone|date=2006-11-21|accessdate=2007-05-16}}</ref>


⚫ ===Litvinenko poisoning===
⚫ ==Related developments==
⚫ {{main|Alexander Litvinenko poisoning}}
Anna Politkovskaya was only one of many journalists recently murdered in Russia. From January to October 2006, the list of criminal cases from "" led by Aleksei Simonov from ] included 9 killed and 59 attacked (severely beaten) journalists, and 11 attacks on editorial offices. In 2005, the list of all cases included 6 murders, 63 attacks, 12 attacks on editorial offices, 23 cases of censorship, 42 criminal prosecutions, 11 illegal layoffs, 47 arrests, 382 lawsuits, 233 cases of obstruction, 23 closings of editorial offices by authorities, 10 evictions, 28 confiscations of printed production, 23 cases of stopping broadcasting, 38 refusals to distribute or print production, 25 acts of intimidation, and 344 other violations of Russian journalist's rights.<ref></ref>

On ], ] a former FSB officer and writer ] died in London, following a lethal dose of radioactive ],<ref></ref><ref></ref> while investigating Politkovskaya's death. He was an outspoken critic of President Putin and Russia's Chechnya policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6180682.stm|title=Radiation found after spy's death|publisher=BBC|date=2006-11-24|accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article649568.ece|title=Who did it? Five theories of Litvinenko's demise|publisher=The Times|date=2006-11-26|accessdate=2006-05-16}}</ref>. This incident was remarkably similar to the poisoning by ] of KGB defector ],<ref></ref> Politkovskaya prepared an interview with Khokhlov for Novaya Gazeta.<ref></ref>

===Other cases===
On ], the day of Litvinenko's death, Russian economist and politician ] have been poisoned after drinking a cup of tea.<ref></ref><ref></ref> This incident was similar to the poisoning of Politkovskaya on her flight to Beslan.


In a more recent development, ex-KGB officer ] died in London, following a lethal dose of radioactive ],<ref></ref><ref></ref> while investigating Politkovskaya's death. The Litvinenko death is currently under investigation by the British authorities.<ref></ref><ref></ref> This incident was remarkably similar to the poisoning by ] of KGB defector ],<ref></ref> and another journalist from Novaya Gazeta ] (Юрий Щекочихин).<ref></ref><ref></ref> The journalist who prepared the interview with Khokhlov for Novaya Gazeta was Politkovskaya.<ref></ref> The last book by Schekochikhin was ''Slaves of KGB'' (Рабы КГБ). He also investigated the ] as a member of the ] Commission with ]. Litvinenko was writing a new book about ] activities including ] in ]. In that regard, he had frequent contacts with Politkovskaya, according to Larisa Volodimirova.<ref></ref> On ], the day of Litvinenko's death, Russian economist and politician ] claimed to have been poisoned after drinking a cup of tea. He was taken to hospital but no traces of poisoning were found.<ref></ref><ref></ref> This incident was similar to the poisoning of Politkovskaya on her flight to Beslan. A Politkovsaya colleague from Novaya Gazeta ] has been allegedly poisoned by an unknown radioactive substance <ref></ref><ref></ref> He investigated the ] as a member of the ] Commission with ]. Litvinenko was writing a new book about ] activities including ] in ]. In that regard, he had frequent contacts with Politkovskaya, according to Larisa Volodimirova.<ref></ref>


Other similar cases include the assassinations of Russian politicians ] and ] and the death of journalist ] who also investigated the Russian apartment bombings <ref> , by ]</ref> Other similar cases include the assassinations of Russian politicians ] and ] and the death of journalist ] who also investigated the Russian apartment bombings <ref> , by ]</ref>

Revision as of 16:50, 13 April 2008

Анна Степановна Политковская
Anna Politkovskaya
File:Anna Politkovskaya byZelenskaya1.jpg
Born(1958-08-30)30 August 1958
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died7 October 2006(2006-10-07) (aged 48)
Moscow, Russia
OccupationJournalist

The assassination of Anna Politkovskaya, the Russian journalist, writer and human rights activist, took place on Saturday, 7 October 2006. She was well-known for her opposition to the Chechen conflict and criticism of Russian president Putin. She authored several books about Chechen wars as well as Putin's Russia and received numerous prestigious international awards for her work.

She had been previously arrested and subjected to mock execution by Russian military forces in Chechnya. She was poisoned on the way to Beslan, but survived and continued her reporting. Her murder, widely perceived as a contract killing, sparked a strong international reaction.

The murder

Politkovskaya was found shot dead in the elevator of her apartment block in central Moscow, Interfax and other Russian news agencies reported. Police said a Makarov pistol and four shell casings were found beside her body. Reports indicated a contract killing, as she was shot four times, once in the head. It was unclear at the time who ordered the killing.

Funeral

Spontaneous citizens' memorial at entrance to Anna Politkovskaya's Moscow apartment 10. Oct. 2006

The funeral was held on Tuesday, 10 October, at 2:30 p.m., at the Troyekurovsky Cemetery. Before Politkovskaya was laid to rest, more than 1,000 people filed past her coffin to pay their last respects. Dozens of Politkovskaya's colleagues, public figures and admirers of her work gathered at a cemetery on the outskirts of Moscow for the funeral. No high-ranking Russian officials could be seen at the ceremony.

Reaction

Main article: International reaction to the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya

European Union and many governments condemned the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, well-known journalist and defender of freedom of expression in Russia. They called for a thorough investigation into the crime by Russian authorities.

On 8 October 2006, hundreds rallied in downtown Moscow to protest the murder of Anna Politkovskaya and the recent crackdown on ethnic Georgians. The demonstration was described by the Moscow-based liberal Echo of Moscow radio station as "the largest protest rally of the opposition recently held in Russia." During the day following information about Politkovskaya's death, there was a demonstration and memorial consisting of 500 people in Moscow, as well as 300 people gathering in St. Petersburg. Further rallies and vigils took place in other Russian cities, including St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Saratov and Krasnoyarsk, as well as London, Paris, New York, and Washington.

A day after the murder more than one thousand people (later estimation: over 3000) gathered at the Russian embassy in Helsinki, Finland to pay their respects to Politkovskaya (according to Helsingin Sanomat article published on October 22, there were about 3000 people). The demonstration was silent, with people holding candles. Two of Politkovskaya's books have been published in Finland as translated editions.

Young Finnish musicians wrote a song in Politkovskaya's memory. The song is titled "Uuden ajan kynnyksellä — laulu Anna Politkovskajalle" ("On the Threshold of a New Era — A Song for Anna Politkovskaya") and it was recorded on 19 October in Helsinki. The song is released on the Internet on 20 October for free (although donations to Zhima Ditt are accepted) and an accompanying music video will be released on YouTube. If there's enough demand, a CD single will also be produced.

Claims that Vladimir Putin was behind the murder

Soon after Politkovskay death, former Russian state security officer Alexander Litvinenko accused Vladimir Putin of personally ordering the assassination of Politkovskaya and stated that a former presidential candidate Irina Hakamada warned Politkovskaya about threats to her life coming from Russian president. Litvinenko said that he advised Politkovskaya to escape from Russia immediately. Hakamada denied her involvement in passing any specific threats, and said that she warned Politkovskaya only in general terms more than a year ago. It remains unclear if Litvinenko referred to an earlier statement made by Boris Berezovsky who claimed that former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Boris Nemtsov received a word from Hakamada that Putin threatened her and like-minded colleagues in person. According to Berezovsky, Putin uttered that Hakamada and her colleagues "will take in the head immediately, literally, not figuratively" if they "open the mouth" about the Russian apartment bombings.

Two weeks after this statement Litvinenko was poisoned by the radioactive polonium. Two days before his death, he decided to write a statement, in case he "does not make it". He said: "Name the bastard. Anya Politkovskaya did not do it, so I will, for both of us" according to Alex Goldfarb. . He said in his last statement:

"You may succeed in silencing one man but the howl of protest from around the world will reverberate, Mr Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life. May God forgive you for what you have done, not only to me but to beloved Russia and its people."

On 10 October, 2,000 demonstrators called Putin a "murderer" during his visit to Dresden, Germany.. Putin replied

"This journalist was indeed a sharp critic of the present Russian authorities... but the degree of her influence over political life in Russia was extremely insignificant. She was well-known in journalistic circles, among human rights activists, in the West. I repeat, her influence over political life in Russian was minimal." And in my opinion murdering such a person certainly does much greater damage from the authorities’ point of view, authorities that she strongly criticized, than her publications ever did."

Former KGB officer Oleg Gordievsky also believed that the murders of Zelimkhan Yandarbiev, Yuri Shchekochikhin, Politkovskaya, Litvinenko and others mean that FSB has returned to the old KGB practice of political assassinations ordered by the government.. Gordievsky was poisoned himself later, allegedly by a Russian agent .

Politkovskaya was killed at Putin's birthday. Later, in February 2008, historian Yuri Felshtinsky and political scientist Vladimir Pribylovsky noted that none of the official suspects has any personal motifs to kill her. This led them to suggest several possible contractors: "the central leadership of the secret service - as a birthday present for Putin" or "Ramzan Kadyrov, also as a birthday present for Putin, in the hopes of receiving a present in return - the presidency of Chechnya (the hope was realized)".

Case developments

Arrests

In late August of 2007 police arrested ten suspects believed to have been involved in the murder. Prosecutor Yuri Chaika stated that the plotters aim was to start a crisis to destabilise Russia. The suspects included members of a Chechen organized crime group as well as a number of former FSB agents .

Official statements by Russian authorities

On August 28, 2007, Russia's Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika had a meeting with Vladimir Putin and FSB director Nikolai Patrushev, during which he made an official announcement that

"Our investigation has led us to conclude that only people living abroad could be interested in killing Politkovskaya," and that "Forces interested in de-stabilising the country, in stoking crisis...in discrediting the national leadership, provoking external pressure on the country, could be interested in this crime. Anna Politkovskaya knew who ordered her killing. She met him more than once."

Chaika also said that Politkovskaya's killers are probably connected with the murders of deputy Central Bank head Andrei Kozlov and U.S. journalist Paul Khlebnikov. The person noted by Chaika as organizer of the murder was unequivocally identified in the media as Boris Berezovsky The statement by Chaika was supported by Andrei Lugovoi, who had been indicted by British court with regard to the Alexander Litvinenko poisoning. Lugovoy said that Berezovsky had organized the murders of Politkovskaya, Alexander Litvinenko, and the attempted murder of Yelena Tregubova.

On April 3 2008, Investigating Committee of the Persecution Office of Russia Dmitry Dovgy (suspended of his duty under allegations of taking bribes, though the interview was taken before his suspension) told the press that he is convinced that Politkovskaya's murder was masterminded by Boris Berezovsky and carried out by Khozh-Ahmed Noukhayev" . Berezovsky dismissed the accusations in an interview with Ekho Moskvy radio. "This is another attempt to distract the investigation from searching for the real person behind the murder," he said.

According to the investigators the assassination was ordered by the former chief of Chechen Achkhoy-Martanovsky District, Shamil Burayev. A former FSB agent, Pavel Ryaguzov provided the murderers with the home address of Anna Politkovskaya

Press reports

Soon after her death, Yaroshevsky, deputy editor of Novaya Gazeta where she worked, said: "The first thing that comes to mind is that Anna was killed for her professional activities. We don't see any other motive for this terrible crime." He said Politkovskaya gave an interview to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty last week in which she said she was a witness in a criminal case against Ramzan Kadyrov in connection with abductions in Chechnya - a case based on her reporting. In that same interview, she called Kadyrov the "Stalin of our days".

On March 28, 2008, it was reported that the suspected killer of journalist Anna Politkovskaya is 30-years old Chechen Rustam Makhmudov, a brother of Ibragim, Rustam and Gzhebrail Makhmudovs also arrested on suspicion on complicity to Politkovskaya assasination.

According to Novaya Gazeta, the Politkovskaya assassination was organized by members of Russian special services, and someone in the Russian law enforcement agencies protects the killers by openly disclosing the materials of the criminal case. The report asserts that traces of the killers lead to a gang of Maxim Lazovsky , a former FSB officer who organized a bombing in Moscow in 1994 and was allegedly involved in the 1999 Russian apartment bombings.

Possibly related developments

Assassination of Politkovskay was discussed in media in connection with deaths of other critics of Vladimir Putin

Killing of Movladi Baisarov

Main article: Assassination of Movladi Baisarov

On November 18, 2006, former pro-government Chechen commander and FSB officer Movladi Baisarov was shot dead in Moscow. Allegedly, Baisarov intended to give evidence that would show his political opponents' guilty of kidnapping and murder, and give testimony about the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya.

Novaya Gazeta journalist Vyacheslav Izmailov that his newspaper was preparing to publish information linking Baisarov's murder with that of Anna Politkovskaya. Izmailov, who worked closely with Politkovskaya on her stories about human rights abuses in Chechnya, said former Grozny Mayor Beslan Gantamirov had come to paper's offices two weeks after she was murdered and said armed men close to Ramzan Kadyrov had been sent to Moscow with orders to kill three people: Politkovskaya, Baisarov and Gantamirov himself.

Litvinenko poisoning

Main article: Alexander Litvinenko poisoning

On November 23, 2006 a former FSB officer and writer Alexander Litvinenko died in London, following a lethal dose of radioactive polonium-210, while investigating Politkovskaya's death. He was an outspoken critic of President Putin and Russia's Chechnya policy.. This incident was remarkably similar to the poisoning by thallium of KGB defector Nikolay Khokhlov, Politkovskaya prepared an interview with Khokhlov for Novaya Gazeta.

Other cases

On November 24, the day of Litvinenko's death, Russian economist and politician Yegor Gaidar have been poisoned after drinking a cup of tea. This incident was similar to the poisoning of Politkovskaya on her flight to Beslan.

A Politkovsaya colleague from Novaya Gazeta Yuri Shchekochikhin has been allegedly poisoned by an unknown radioactive substance He investigated the Russian apartment bombings as a member of the Kovalev Commission with Mikhail Trepashkin. Litvinenko was writing a new book about FSB activities including concentration camps in Chechnya. In that regard, he had frequent contacts with Politkovskaya, according to Larisa Volodimirova.

Other similar cases include the assassinations of Russian politicians Galina Starovoitova and Sergei Yushenkov and the death of journalist Artyom Borovik who also investigated the Russian apartment bombings

See also

People

Topics

References

  1. World Politics Review LLC,Politkovskaya's Death, Other Killings, Raise Questions About Russian Democracy, 31 Oct 2006
  2. "Anna Politkovskaya: Putin's Russia". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-10-09.
  3. "Anna Politkovskaya is murdered" (in Russian). Lenta.ru. Retrieved 2006-10-09.
  4. "Chechen war reporter found dead". BBC News. 2006-10-07. Retrieved 2006-10-09.
  5. Interfax Assassination Story
  6. Moscow's Kommersant daily's report of Politkovskaya's death
  7. www.annapolitkovskaya.com, A tribute site in memory of Anna Politkovskaya]
  8. "Thousands mourn Russian journalist". Reuters. 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2006-10-10.
  9. "500 people rally in Moscow to protest journalist's murder, crackdown on Georgians". The International Herald Tribune. 2006-10-08. Retrieved 2006-10-09.
  10. "Многочисленная акция памяти Анны Политковской прошла в центре Москвы на Пушкинской площади" (in Russian). The Ekho Moskvy radio. 2006-10-08. Retrieved 2006-10-09.
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  13. Template:Ru icon"Ирина Хакамада о партийном строительстве и экономической ситуации в России". Svoboda News. 4 December 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. Live interview with Berezovsky by Evgenia Albats, Radio Echo of Moscow, 11 June 2006. Transcript in Russian, computer translation.
  15. Alex Goldfarb and Marina Litvinenko. Death of a Dissident: The Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and the Return of the KGB. Free Press, New York, 2007. ISBN 978-1416551652, page 328.
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  17. "Putin in Dresden mit "Mörder"-Rufen empfangen" (in German). Der Spiegel. 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  18. "Putin faces 'murderer' taunt as journalist is buried". Telegraph. 2006-10-11. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
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  20. Meetings with Representatives of various Communities October 10, 2006
  21. "Mourners pay homage to slain journalist". A.P. 2006-10-10. Retrieved 2006-10-10.
  22. "Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel Work Together". Kommersant. 2006-10-11. Retrieved 2006-10-11.
  23. Бывший резидент КГБ Олег Гордиевский не сомневается в причастности к отравлению Литвиненко российских спецслужб - svobodanews.ru
  24. *Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin, The Mitrokhin Archive: The KGB in Europe and the West, Gardners Books (2000), ISBN 0-14-028487-7
  25. Yuri Felshtinsky and Vladimir Pribylovsky) The Age of Assassins. The Rise and Rise of Vladimir Putin, Gibson Square Books, London, 2008, ISBN 190-614207-6; pages 248-250
  26. http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6965253.stm
  27. Chaika was appointed to his current position by Putin on June 23, 2006
  28. SMH.com, Russia hints exile linked to murder
  29. ^ Russia: Politkovskaya's Colleagues Dispute Official Investigation, By Brian Whitmore, RFE/RL, August 28, 2007
  30. Berezovsky Masterminded Murders of Politkovskaya, Litvinenko, Tregubova, Lugovoy Said Aug. 29, 2007
  31. Главный следователь СКП назвал Березовского заказчиком убийства Политковской Lenta.ru 3 April 2007 Template:Ru icon
  32. Top investigator says Berezovsky ordered Politkovskaya's murder RIA Novosti Retrieved on April 6, 2008
  33. Главреду "Новой Газеты" сообщили имя убийцы Политковской еще в прошлом году Lenta.Ru Template:Ru icon
  34. Chechen war reporter found dead, by BBC News
  35. New and Old Ramzan (Russian), RFE/RL, Partial English translation
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  37. Генпрокуратура знает, кто стрелял в Политковскую. По нашим данным, киллером может быть 30-летний чеченец Рустам Махмудов Komsomolskaya Pravda 29 March 2007
  38. ^ Agents of special services are among organizers of Politkovskaya assassination. However someone protects them by disclosing secret materials of the criminal case by Sergei Sokolov, 06.04.2008
  39. Yuri Felshtinsky and Vladimir Pribylovsky) The Age of Assassins. The Rise and Rise of Vladimir Putin, Gibson Square Books, London, 2008, ISBN 190-614207-6;
  40. Kremlin, Inc. Why are Vladimir Putin’s opponents dying?, by Michael Specter, New Yorker, January 29, 2007
  41. "Were Baisarov and Politkovskaya on the same hit list?". Chechnya Weekly. 2006-11-22. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  42. "Vladimir "Pooty-Poot" Putin, Bush's buddy, is getting out of hand". Rolling Stone. 2006-11-21. Retrieved 2007-05-16.
  43. Poisoning of Russian agent raises fears of UK vendetta | Russia | Guardian Unlimited
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  47. Встреча С Прошлым
  48. Свою Историю Болезни Я Так И Не Видел… Зачем?
  49. Новости NEWSru.com :: Близкие Гайдара скрывают, в какой больнице он находится, опасаясь за его жизнь (ВЕРСИИ отравления)
  50. Ежедневный Журнал
  51. Terror-99
  52. Агент Неизвестен
  53. «Александр всегда знал, что за ним охотятся» - svobodanews.ru
  54. Russia: High-Profile Killings, Attempted Killings In The Post-Soviet Period, by RFE/RL

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