Estemirova's killers not established, witnesses fear to evidence

More than a month after kidnapping and murder of Natalia Estemirova, an employee of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", the investigation still has no idea of the organizers and executors of the crime. Witnesses are afraid to evidence on the case.

"The kidnapping took place in a densely populated area, where many apartment houses are located, and, nevertheless, there are only two witnesses so far. And those two say that they saw only some persons in civilian closes violently forcing her into white 'Zhiguli' model seven and drove away," said a power agent, having added that there are no suspects in this case so far.

According to his story, the main version considered by the investigation is a murder because of the human rights activist's professional work.

Meanwhile, the colleagues and friends of the perished woman are convinced she was executed by power agents; and quite particular persons are behind the murder. "Shortly before her death Natasha Estemirova was investigating a number of cases; in particular, kidnapping and subsequent murder of Rizvan Albekov, a resident of Akhkinchu-Borzoy village. She gave particular names and posts of the persons, who had directly to do with that extrajudicial execution. On the day of her murder she was to meet the heads of the ICPO and discuss the issue. Why does the investigation fail to consider this version?" asked one of Estemirova's colleagues, who preferred to remain anonymous.

The woman has also reminded about the recent kidnapping and murder of Zarema Sadulayeva and Alik Dzhabrailov, having noted that in this case too the investigation has no suspects and no defendants.