Muratov: current methods do not allow final inquiry into the death of Yuri Schekochikhin

The investigation into the death of journalist Yuri Schekochikhin, who shortly before his death, namely in 2002-2003, was a member of the public commission of inquiry into the explosions of houses in Moscow and Volgodonsk in 1999, was resumed five times, and then stopped. This was stated by Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta". According to his story, the newspaper continues its independent inquiry into the death of Schekochikhin.

"Novaya Gazeta" runs independent investigation into the death of Yuri Schekochikhin

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta", with which Yuri Schekochikhin had collaborated, that the official investigation into Yuri's death was resumed and then stopped five times. "The last time after the order of the President of Russia and interference of Mr Bastrykin, head of the Investigatory Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF), a full-scale investigation of this issue was conducted, including exhumation of Schekochikhin's body," said Muratov.

So far, as he said, the investigation had received no further information about the substance, with which Yuri Schekochikhin was poisoned.

"Modern methods don't allow doing it yet. The investigation undertaken by our newspaper continues; however, we now say that it was not an accidental death - it was a murder. As reported by the doctors who made the autopsy and examination of the body, they detected some 'agent', which triggered an unprecedented by its strength allergy syndrome. By the way, Yuri had never suffered from allergy," said the editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta".

"Now, the case was suspended by the ICRF, due to the fact that, unfortunately, there's no chance to conduct any additional examinations," Mr Muratov has added.

Official presentation of documentary about Schekochikhin may take place on his birthday

After screening the film at the Central House of Journalists in Moscow, the deputy editor-in-chief of the "Rossiiskaya Gazeta" has offered the film director to hold the official presentation of the documentary at the editorial board of the "Rossiiskaya Gazeta" on June 9.

"It will be Yuri Schekochikhin's birthday," said Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta", who was present in the hall.

This possibility is now in discussion.

Muratov: over 170 soldiers were released from Chechen captivity through Schekochihin's efforts

While speaking about Yuri Schekochikhin's activities, Dmitry Muratov reminded that during the first Chechen war in 1996, Yuri gave birth to the idea to gather a group for releasing prisoners-of-war. "He wanted to make use of his MP's status and his good contacts, in the first place, at the General Prosecutor's Office, in order to try releasing, without paying any ransom, Russian soldiers, hostages and civilians. A group was set up, which included the then Deputy General Power Prosecutor Mikhail Katyshev, Major Vyacheslav Izmailov and Yury Schekochikhin," said Muratov.

"Yuri had started the work, which resulted, on the basis of interaction, in release of 170 persons from captivity. None of the captives had been released for money," said the editor-in-chief of the "Novaya Gazeta".

Yuri Schekochikhin died at night on July 3, 2003, in Moscow. According to the forensic examination, the death was caused by the gravest general intoxication, expressed in Lyell's syndrome. In October 2007, at the insistence of the "Novaya Gazeta", the Investigatory Committee at the Russian Prosecutor's Office (ICPO) resumed their investigation into the death of Yuri Schekochikhin. On April 4, 2008, a criminal case under the "murder" article was initiated. In September 2008, exhumation of Schekochikhin's body was conducted; and a new examination into his death was appointed. On April 4, 2009, the criminal investigation into the death of Schekochikhin was stopped for the absence of the event of the crime.

However, on September 16, 2010, the ICPO resumed the criminal investigation into the death of Yuri Schekochikhin "in connection with the new data received by the investigation, which require additional examinations." Studies at two laboratories revealed two pharmaceutical ingredient (phenol and lidocaine), which were not supposed to be in the human body.