International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Human Rights Center "Memorial" and "Novaya Gazeta" present the English version of the joint report "Two Years after the Murder of Natalia Estemirova: The Investigation Continues along a False Path".
Natalia Estemirova was abducted and killed on July 15, 2009. Since July 16, investigations have been conducted by a Senior Investigator for Serious Cases of the Department for the Investigation of Serious Cases of the of the Central Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee for the Prosecutor’s Office, Igor Sobol.
The investigation of case # 09500038 is developing four different versions of the murder (quote): “1. Connected to her professional activities; 2. Used to discredit power authorities in the Republic of Chechnya; 3. Related to personal hostilities against her; 4. Killed by siloviks from the Republic of Chechnya in connection with her publicity of human rights violations against its citizens.”
From the outset, this investigation has possessed important evidence: based on a study of content samples found under the victim’s nails and biological residue on her clothing, DNA residue from the abductors and murderers were identified – at least three people were involved, including an unidentified woman.
Nearly six months later, in January 2010, the investigation received “evidence” which served as the main factor in the current version of the murder: abduction and murder committed by the militant Alkhazur Bashaev "and other unidentified persons."
We analyzed the case materials available to use and conducted our own independent investigation which can be found in this joint report, now available in English.
Download the report.