Russia: Anna Politkovskaya’s Murderer Pardonned After Serving in Ukraine
The pardon of her convicted murderer is a grave injustice to her memory and to journalists who risk their lives daily to uphold the tenets of free and fair reporting
Location: Russia, Moscow
Date: November 14, 2023
Photo by Juulia Niiniranta
Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, a former Russian detective convicted in the 2006 assassination of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, has been pardoned by President Vladimir Putin. Khadzhikurbanov's release comes following his participation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as confirmed by his legal representative. The assassination of Politkovskaya, one of Russia's most revered journalists, serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by those daring to scrutinize the Kremlin. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled by the pardon of the man convicted of her murder. This decision not only undermines the pursuit of justice but also sets a dangerous precedent for the safety and freedom of journalists worldwide.
Khadzhikurbanov, originally sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for his involvement in the high-profile murder of Anna Politkovskaya, was pardoned by President Putin after fulfilling a six-month military obligation in Ukraine. Politkovskaya, known for her critical reporting on Russian affairs, particularly in Chechnya, was fatally shot in her Moscow apartment block, a crime that has long remained shrouded in controversy.
Khadzhikurbanov initially fought as a prisoner before receiving his pardon and continuing service as a regular armed forces member. Alexei Mikhalchik, Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer, did not disclose the specifics of Khadzhikurbanov's enlistment, including any potential affiliation with Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner group, a private military company known for recruiting from Russian prisons.
This development raises significant questions about Russia's strategy in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defence and Wagner have reportedly enlisted tens of thousands of inmates, including those convicted of serious crimes, under a scheme offering freedom in exchange for military service.
A Voice Silenced, A Legacy That Echoes
Politkovskaya, renowned for her fierce critique of President Putin and the Russian involvement in Chechnya, was a symbol of journalistic courage. Her murder on October 7, 2006, coinciding with Putin’s birthday, sent shock waves across the globe. At 48, Politkovskaya was not only a journalistic icon but also a mother, leaving behind two adult children.
The mystery surrounding who orchestrated her assassination has persisted. While several men were convicted for carrying out the murder, the mastermind remains unidentified. Putin, soon after Politkovskaya’s death, dismissed the notion that her journalistic work posed a significant threat to Russia, contrasting it with the international backlash the murder incited. Suspicions also implicated Ramzan A. Kadyrov, the controversial Chechen leader and a frequent subject of Politkovskaya’s critical reporting.
Politkovskaya's career at Novaya Gazeta, beginning in 1999, solidified her reputation as a formidable human rights advocate and a critic of Putin’s administration. Her unflinching accounts of the second Chechen war and subsequent terrorist incidents showcased her commitment to uncovering truth, often at great personal risk. She exposed military and government atrocities, facing backlash from those who deemed her work unpatriotic.
Her reporting, which included harrowing tales of torture, mass executions, and corruption, put her in the crosshairs of powerful entities within Russia. Despite threats to her life, including a poisoning attempt in 2004, Politkovskaya remained steadfast in her mission.
Politkovskaya's untimely death had a profound impact on press freedom in Russia, casting a shadow over the journalistic community. Her assassination underscored the dangers faced by those challenging state narratives, leading to a constriction in media freedom.
Her desk at the now shuttered Novaya Gazeta, preserved for 17 years, stands as a poignant symbol of her enduring impact and the unyielding quest for truth in an era marked by suppression and obfuscation.
The Politkovskaya family, alongside Novaya Gazeta, has openly criticized Khadzhikurbanov's pardon, calling it a "monstrous fact of injustice" and an affront to the memory of Politkovskaya.
“For us, this ‘pardon’ is not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer. This is a monstrous fact of injustice […] Desecration of the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty,” their statement reads.
“This is a monstrous fact of injustice […] Desecration of the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty,”
As the world reflects on Politkovskaya's life and tragic end, her story remains a beacon for press freedom and a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in the pursuit of truth. Her voice may have been silenced, but her legacy continues to challenge and inspire, echoing through the halls of journalism and beyond.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Politkovskaya’s family and Nobel laureate Novaya Gazeta. We vehemently condemn the recent pardon by Putin of the man convicted in the organizing of Anna Politkovskaya's assassination.
Anna Politkovskaya, a courageous journalist and a relentless critic of the Kremlin, paid the ultimate price for her commitment to truth and integrity in journalism. Her assassination in 2006 was a direct attack on press freedom and a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices. The pardon of her convicted murderer is a grave injustice to her memory and to journalists who risk their lives daily to uphold the tenets of free and fair reporting. It sends a chilling message to journalists around the world, particularly women journalists, who often face disproportionate risks in their line of work, and signifies a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of accountability and justice. We call upon the international community to publicly denounce this pardon and demand accountability for the murder of Anna Politkovskaya.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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