The Human Rights Defenders in the North Caucasus

The human rights situation and conditions for human rights defenders in the North Caucasus have become increasingly alarming and violent since the brutal murder last summer of Natalia Estemirova. Abducted from her Grozny office at the human rights group Memorial, Estemirova was found shot dead later the same day in neighboring Ingushetia. Threats, incidents of intimidation, and murders directed against activists and journalists in the region continue with impunity.

The targets of this violence are Russia’s best hope and moral conscience. They keep alive the possibility that Russia will one day change course, turn its back on extreme nationalism, address the severe internal problems that threaten its well-being, and embrace the values of human rights and the rule of law.