05 January 2006, 15:38
Concerns about killings of journalists
Human rights defenders are concerned about the freedom of speech situation worldwide, in Russia, and the Caucasus.
Sixty-three journalists have been killed this year according to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres or RSF), the biggest number over the last 10 years. Human rights defenders indicate an alarming tendency: those guilty of the killings go unpunished in the overwhelming majority of cases.
The list includes two Russians, the Committee to Protect Journalists says.
The body of cameraman Pavel Makeyev was found near Azov, Rostov-on-Don region. His killing may involve the organisers of a street racing pari-mutuel.
The car of reporter Magomedzagid Varisov was fired at in Makhachkala, Dagestan. He investigated the clean-up in Borozdinovskaia, Chechnya.
