News

Investigation into abduction and murder of human rights activist Natalia Estemirova has never been suspended. Investigators are absolutely sure that Alkhazur Bashayev was involved in the crimes. This is completely confirmed by all the evidence which include the murder weapon seized from the flat of the accused, conclusions of DNA tests and other expert examinations, results of interviews of over a thousand witnesses and other evidence confirming the investigators’ conclusions.

This is evidence based on which the court ruled to prosecute Bashayev as the accused of abduction and murder of the human rights activist. Investigators are sure that the motive was revenge to Estemirovas articles. In 2010, the court ruled in absentia to place Bashayev in custody as a pre-trial restraining measure. According to investigators he is hiding in France and due to this was put on an international wanted list.

During the inquest, investigators sent to France several requests on legal assistance within which we cooperate with out French colleagues. Moreover, during the meeting between the Chairman of the Russia’s Investigative Committee and representatives of French police, the parties among other matters discussed search and detention of Bashayev. We hope that our foreign colleagues will activate their work in this area and that detention of Basharov is only a matter of time.

Head of Media Relations                                                                                                  V.I. Markin