The Moscow Declaration

July 7, 2005

e, the relatives and colleagues of journalists murdered in Russia, along with Russian and international press freedom advocates, who convened for a conference in Moscow on July 7, 2005, declare the following: The lack of progress in investigating journalist murders undermines freedom and democracy in Russia, and demonstrates the lawlessness and impunity with which Russian and international media can be targeted. This deplorable situation compels us to speak publicly. We call on Russian law enforcement agencies, and the Prosecutor-General's Office in particular, to demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law by ensuring that those responsible for ordering and carrying out those crimes are brought to justice. President Putin has promised the people of Russia to respect human rights and media freedom. This commitment obligates him to publicly acknowledge these horrible crimes, express sympathy for the families and colleagues of slain journalists, and demonstrate his commitment to implementing the rule of law. Signed: Zavalu Tepsurkayev, brother of slain journalist Adam Tepsurkayev Aleksei Simonov, president of Glasnost Defense Foundation Inna Shvets, widow of slain journalist Dmitry Shvets Svetlana Bokova, colleague of slain journalist Dmitry Shvets Svetlana Novikova, sister of slain journalist Sergey Novikov Tatyana Stepchenkova, family friend of the Novikovs Ann Cooper, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists Rimma Mikhareva, colleague of slain journalists Valery Ivanov and Aleksei Sidorov Elena Ivanova, widow of slain journalist Valery Ivanov Maria Istomina, family friend of slain journalist Eduard Markevich Grigory Bochkaryov, colleague of slain journalist Natalya Skryl Timur Aliyev, editor of Chechenskoye Obshchestvo newspaper Rumina Elmurzayeva, colleague of slain journalist Magomedzagid Varisov Karen Nersisian, lawyer representing the families of slain journalists Valery Ivanov, Aleksei Sidorov and Igor Domnikov Nellya Skryl, mother of slain journalist Natalya Skryl