OSCE Chairperson strongly condemns killing of Russian journalist and human rights defender Natalia Estemirova

ATHENS, 16 July 2009 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, expressed profound shock today about the killing of Russian journalist and human rights defender Natalia Estemirova.

"I condemn the killing of Natalia Estemirova, who was one of the most prominent human rights defenders in the North Caucasus," said Bakoyannis.

"This murder is a horrible and cowardly attack against fundamental human rights principles. This is a tragic loss and I express my deep condolences to Natalia Estemirova's family and to the Novaya Gazeta newspaper and Memorial human rights NGO where she worked."

According to news reports, Natalia Estemirova was abducted yesterday from her home in Grozny, Chechnya, and found murdered in neighbouring Ingushetia later that day.

Bakoyannis welcomed the prompt reaction from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who called for an investigation into the murder.

All OSCE participating States committed themselves to the protection of human rights defenders in the 1994 Budapest Document.

Natalia Estemirova was the recipient of the European Parliament's Robert Schuman Medal in 2004 and the Anna Politkovskaya Prize in 2007.