U.S. SENATE ADOPTS RESOLUTION CONDEMNING MURDER OF JOURNALIST PAUL KLEBNIKOV, CALLS ON RUSSIA TO STEP UP COOPERATION ON INVESTIGATION
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2006
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Washington, DC - The United States Senate today adopted a resolution condemning the murder of journalist Paul Klebnikov in Moscow on July 9, 2004. Senate Resolution 526 commends efforts by the Russian Prosecutor General's office for its continued investigation into the murder, but calls on the Russian government to seek out those who ordered the assassination and to increase cooperation with other governments to bring those responsible to justice.
The resolution, introduced jointly by New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), addresses the issue of increased restrictions on free press in Russia, citing the murder of 12 journalists in Russia since 2000 as well as a 2005 Country Report on Human Rights Practices published by the U.S. Department of State. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that "a progressive state requires a free press," at a World Association of Newspapers conference on June 4, 2006. To this end, the resolution calls on the Russian Government to "take appropriate action to protect the independence and freedom of the media of Russia and all visiting members of the media."
Commenting on the resolution, the Klebnikov family said, "We welcome the U.S. Senate's attention to the ongoing investigation of Paul's murder and we are immensely grateful to Senators Clinton and Brownback, as well as to all senators who voted to adopt the resolution. We are hopeful that our appeal of the murder trial verdict will be heard by the courts in very short order. The fact that delays have occurred in hearing our appeal is extraordinary. It is abundantly clear that the numerous violations of judicial process that occurred during the trial must be carefully investigated. We believe that with continued, unwavering support and attention from the U.S. Congress, this tragic crime will be resolved."
"The Senate has sent a powerful signal of support for the family of Paul Klebnikov, which has worked for more than two years to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. I hope the Russian Government will heed this call to continue their aggressive efforts to investigate this heinous crime and to take steps necessary to ensure the freedom and safety of journalists working in Russia," commented Senator Clinton after the announcement of unanimous Senate approval of the resolution.
"I'm glad the Senate stands in solidarity with Paul Klebnikov's family and their fight for justice and truth. Klebnikov's murder sent chilling shockwaves throughout the journalist community and I hope a vigorous investigation fights back against encroachments on freedom of the press in Russia. We continue to offer our prayers and support for the Klebnikov family," said Senator Brownback.
Regarding further investigations into the murder, Paul Klebnikov's family commented, "It is crucial that all parties responsible for Paul's murder be brought to justice, most importantly, the individual or individuals who ordered Paul's murder. We believe that the U.S. and other governments can provide valuable assistance. We hope that the Russian government will reconsider its position on cooperation with outside parties on this investigation and will accept help of well-intentioned allies. As we have said from the very beginning, this case is a clear litmus test on whether the Government can successfully uphold the rule of law in Russia."