Human Rights Defenders in Russia Under Threat

"She talked to soldiers' mothers trying to find their sons' corpses in military morgues where mangled bodies lay unnamed and unclaimed—the result of the Russian army's unique mixture of callousness and incompetence. And she talked to Chechens whose friends and relatives had disappeared into the notorious “filtration camps” to suffer torture, mutilation, rape and death."
This excerpt from an obituary for investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya was found in the October 12th, 2006 edition of The Economist, published just five days after her murder. She had recieved death threats many times before, yet always refused to back down from the work for which she ultimately gave her life. In fact, the day she was killed, she was due to turn in an article on the corruption and violence of the warlords who were at that time ruling Chechnya.
However, today -the fifth anniversary of this courageous woman's murder- little progress has been made towards the protection of journalists and other human rights activists in Russia. On the contrary, there have been numerous abductions, beatings, and murders of human rights activists, yet only two cases have been solved: the murders of lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova. This is absolutely unacceptable, as the voices of those who fight relentlessly for human rights are, in fact, the voices of liberty, and of humanity itself.
"Unless and until such critical voices receive the recognition and protection they need – and are entitled to – Russia will not get the civil society it needs," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty's Europe and Central Asia deputy program director. "In its place," he continued, "corruption, the abuse of power and human rights violations will continue to flourish."
So, in the memory of Anna Politkovskaya, and of all others who have given their lives fighting to put an end to human rights violations, Amnesty strives to continue their work. According to an Amnesty International press release from today, October 7th, 2011, "in the coming year, Amnesty International activists will continue to campaign for full and impartial investigations in to attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists in Russia. Activists will urge the Russian authorities to ensure that human rights defenders can work freely and without fear of harassment."
Amnesty International is strong because of you. Our 3 million members give us a voice against those who would hide the atrocities that people like Politkovskaya dedicate their lives to exposing. Click here to become a member, and become a voice for those who are silenced.
For more information on our work and other ways to become involved, please visit the AIUSA website.