Inquiry into Natalia Estemirova's murder extended till October 14

As announced by the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) the period of investigation into the murder of Natalia Estemirova, an employee of the Grozny office of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", has been extended until October 14, 2013.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the journalist Natalia Estemirova was killed on July 15, 2009, in Ingushetia. The General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) of the Russian Federation believes that the Chechen residents Bashaev brothers committed the murder of personal revenge for the fact that Estemirova had disclosed their links with militants.

The proofs of the guilt of Alkhazur Bashaev, available in the case files, include the pistol with a silencer, found in a militants' hideout, from which, according to the chemical and ballistic examination, Estemirova was shot dead, and an ID card, stolen from a policeman, with a pasted-in Bashaev's photo, which was also found in the hideout.

Investigators plan to question employees of the North-Caucasian Office of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) about Estemirova's activities; however, first they need to receive consent of the UN Secretariat. Also, they plan to interrogate the heads of a number of human rights organizations registered in Chechnya.

Let us remind you that Estemirova's colleagues have criticized the investigation, stating that it has no progress.