"I have raised this case repeatedly with authorities in Russia, both at federal and local levels, and been assured that the investigations would be successfully completed in the near future. It is important that no more time is wasted before this crime is solved, that the evidence brought forward is credible and that not only the four assailants but also those who ordered the murder are brought to justice",  said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg.

Natalia Estemirova was a leading member of the human rights organisation Memorial, and was known as a courageous human rights defender. Her assassination had a chilling effect on civil society activities throughout the Caucasus (more...).