Zoya Svetova finds Orlov's statement on Kadyrov's responsibility for Estemirova's murder reasonable

Journalist Zoya Svetova is sure of political responsibility of the head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov for Estemirova's death. She told about it on May 16, while giving evidence at the Khamovniki Court of Moscow. According to her story, during her meeting with Estemirova in London, the latter expressed fears for his life; and the threat came not from militants.

"Ramzan Akhmadovich used to say that he knows everything that happens in his republic, so I think he knew that Natalia Estemirova could be killed. That is, he is responsible – this is my personal opinion," Zoya Svetova said in the court in answer to the question of the state prosecutor about her attitude to Oleg Orlov's words about Kadyrov's responsibility for Estemirova's murder.

The state prosecutor asked Svetova, whether she read the press release of the "Memorial" issued after Estemirova's murder. She explained that she had read a lot of publications and other materials on the topic, including press releases of the "Memorial".

"And you could have just assumed that, in principle, Kadyrov could have supposed that Estemirova could be killed? Why not?" the prosecutor asked Ms Svetova.

However, the judge cancelled the question and prohibited the witness to answer it.

In answer to the question of Andrei Krasnenkov, representative of the head of Chechnya, Zoya Svetova replied that Estemirova had expressed fear for her life. "During our meeting in London Natalia expressed fears; and those threats, as I understood, originated not from militants. I'm sure that special agencies shadowed such a well-known rights defender as Estemirova. Thus, they knew that she was in danger, but did nothing. Here I see a violation of the European Convention," said Svetova at the trial.

However, when asked by Mr Kadyrov's representative, whether she knew about any Estemirova's appeals to law enforcers in connection with fears for her life, Zoya Svetova replied in the negative.