Russian journalist Politkovskaya re-trial postponed

The re-trial into the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been adjourned until Friday.

Two brothers and another man, suspected of involvement in the killing, appeared in the dock this morning after being acquitted in February.

Critics said the previous trial was a sham and last month Russia’s supreme Court demanded a re-run because of procedural violations.

A staunch critic of the Kremlin, Politkovskaya was shot dead at her apartment block in 2006.

The actual killer remains at large and supporters of the journalist allege official complicity in the murder. Authorities deny the charge.

Yesterday, Politkovskaya’s former Editor-in-Chief at Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta said a new investigation was needed before a fresh trial went ahead.

‘‘These cases should be treated in a special way despite the fact that some people say many people are killed not only journalists. Yes, that’s true, but journalists are protecting the rights of those people who get killed,’‘ said Dmitry Muradov.

Russia has become one of the most dangerous places for reporters and human rights activists.
Only Iraq and Algeria have more deaths.

Last month, Natalia Estemirova, a close friend of Politkovskaya, was kidnapped in Chechnya and found dead in neighbouring Ingushestia.

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tags: Anna Politkovskaya, Justice, Russia