Ten years after investigative journalist Paul Klebnikov was murdered in Moscow, the Obama administration on Wednesday called on Russia to protect reporters working within its borders.
Klebnikov, who was killed July 9, 2004, while editor of Forbes’ Russian edition, had reported on corruption in the Russian government. Two Chechen men accused of his murder were acquitted in 2006.
“Paul’s reporting on official corruption and graft brought an important focus and attention to these challenging issues. We honor his memory by calling for an end to the impunity for crimes against journalists in Russia. The United States supports the efforts of brave journalists in Russia and around the world who expose corruption and abuse of power,” said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council. “The intimidation and murder of journalists is an affront to free and independent media and all who respect democratic values. We urge the Russian government to protect journalists from such attacks and to respect freedom of expression, in accordance with its international obligations.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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