Russia: Khadjimurad Kamalov 'Information is worth dying for'
| Publisher | Article 19 |
| Publication Date | 15 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Article 19, Russia: Khadjimurad Kamalov 'Information is worth dying for', 15 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528dc4394.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
On 15 December 2011, Khadjimurad Kamalov, founder and editor of Chernovik newspaper, one of the few independent media in Dagestan (North Caucasus), was shot dead as he left his office to go home. At least 14 shots were fired and the gunman fled the scene by car.
Kamalov was a vocal critic of corruption and abuse of power, particularly by the police. His murder was an attack not only on him and his family but also on freedom of speech.
Prior to Kamalov's murder, he and other journalists at Chernovik experienced a wide-range of attacks, from harassment, threats, and physical violence, to criminal charges and confiscation of copies of the newspaper.
Chernovik continues to publish but has changed its masthead in memory of Kamalov: "Information is worth dying for".
The investigation into Kamalov's assassination has led to the identification of four suspects. Two of them, Murad Shuaybov and Isa Rakhmanov, were arrested in December 2012. However, the masterminds who ordered the killing remain free.
Sadly, Kamalov's case is not isolated. He is one of dozens of journalists and human rights defenders murdered in Russia over recent years. Next month, ARTICLE 19 will publish a report highlighting some of these emblematic cases and the challenges journalists face to protect themselves in Russia.
- See more at: http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/37359/en/russia:-khadjimurad-kamalov-%E2%80%98information-is-worth-dying-for%E2%80%99#sthash.E8SX8PEa.dpuf
