Vladimir Pozner: Estemirova valued human life higher than state interests

The employee of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" in Chechnya Natalia Estemirova "had one motivation - a human's right to human rights, and, first of all, to the right to life and human dignity", said Vladimir Pozner, a renown TV journalist.

"She was born to a Russian-Chechen family, although it doesn't matter. A talented teacher, later she got engaged into human rights activities. At the start of the second Chechen War, Natalia worked in Grozny, and since 2000 she was with the HRC "Memorial" branch in Grozny. Her home in Grozny often sheltered journalists and human rights activists who arrived there with their professional missions. She received them, helped and organized meetings with victims of torture, bombardments and families, which suffered from the authorities. People believed her, and it was obvious that she was worth their trust," said Mr Pozner on December 8 at the ceremony of awarding the medal of the Russian Ombudsman "Hurry Making Good".

He reminded that many of Estemirova's materials were used in articles of the observer of the "Novaya Gazeta" Anna Politkovskaya. "The people whom she helped were defended by lawyer Stanislav Markelov. I remind you that Anna was killed the first, then Stanislav, and finally - Natasha," said Vladimir Pozner.

According to his version, Natalia Estemirova, Anna Politkovskaya and Stanislav Markelov were engaged in one business - "bringing dark cases into the light."

"On July 16 this year, the farewell ceremony with Natalia Estemirova took place in Grozny, where hundreds of people were present and after which she was buried in Ishkhoy-Yurt village, Gudermes District of Chechnya. Her daughter Lana, 15, is now an orphan. Those who knew Natasha Estemirova, say that she never dealt with any business and was never involved in any doubtful stories. She had one motivation - human's right to human rights, and, first of all, to life and personal dignity," the television journalist said.

Vladimir Pozner condoled with those present at the ceremony and who received Natalia Estemirova's award - her sister Svetlana Estemirova and daughter Lana.

According to Svetlana Estemirova, Natalia knew, like her relatives and friends, that the work of human rights defender was a danger to life, but, despite it, she continued doing what she found necessary.

"I hope that her will one day, not even now, but once in the future, change the situation with human rights in the Chechen Republic," Svetlana Estemirova said.