The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders

                                        July 17, 2009

The South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders strongly condemns the murder of a prominent human rights defender Natalia Estemirova. On the international day of justice, July 17, the Network members call upon the Russian authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation of this case and previous murders of human rights defenders in the country. The Network members also call upon the Russian authorities to further ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders in their country. See Attachment