CPJ statement on anniversary of Klebnikov murder
July 9, 2007

Three years after Paul Klebnikov's murder, no progress

New York, July 6, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern today about the lack of progress in the murder investigation of Forbes-Russia Editor Paul Klebnikov. The jury trial of two Chechen men charged with killing Klebnikov three years ago was postponed indefinitely in March when one suspect went missing. The Prosecutor General's Office has reported no progress in finding the masterminds.

"The Russian authorities are dragging their feet. It is three years since Paul Klebnikov was gunned down outside his Moscow office and no one has been convicted in this callous crime," CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. "We call on the authorities to locate defendant Kazbek Dukuzov, to resume trial proceedings promptly, and use all means available to bring the masterminds to justice. Failure to do so will further fuel the climate of impunity in the killing of journalists which is a blight on Russia's international reputation."