Journalist's murder puts Russian justice on trial

This article talks about the continuing trial for the murder of Anna Politkovskaya. This week, the trial of the three men (two Chechen brothers, Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov, and a former police officer, Sergei Khadzh-ikurbanov) accused of assisting in the murder- though not of the actual murder itself- begins. Stated in the article: "...critics say, [the trial] has worked more to illustrate the farcical nature of Russia's justice system, and how little is expected to change during the reign of [President Dmitry] Medvedev, himself a former lawyer." A lawyer, Murad Musayev, for the brothers said that the prosecution declared that Politkosvkaya's murder was ordered by a Russian politician without giving a name.

I found this article to be interesting and relevant because it illustrates the constant controversy surrounding Anna's murder. Two years later, justice has still not yet been found. As was mentioned in the article, this trial really demonstrates the absurd nature of Russia's justice system, which in a way reflects upon the country's press freedom as well. I think the outcome of this trial could be very telling of whether or not Russia is moving towards any positive changes in the areas of the justice system and press freedom.

By Lauren Chapman