The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Paris-based Reporters Without Borders have condemned the murder of Yevgeny Gerasimenko, a correspondent for the independent weekly Saratovsky Rasklad, who was found dead the morning of July 26 in his apartment in Saratov in southeastern Russia, according to local press reports.
The groups voiced concern over deteriorating press freedom in Russia.
The Saratov Department of Interior Spokesman Denis Zheltov said forensic evidence indicated that Gerasimenko had been killed around 1 a.m. on July 26, the local television channel GTRK Saratov reported.
His mother found the journalist with a plastic bag over his head and multiple bruises on his body. Police found no signs of a violent entry into the apartment, but Gerasimenko’s computer was missing, local reports said.
Gerasimenko had been investigating the corporate takeover of a local commercial enterprise, Saratovsky Rasklad editor-in-chief Vladimir Spiryagin told the United Volga news Web site.
Spiryagin declined to identify the firm because he had not yet discussed details with police investigators, he told United Volga. Spiryagin said Gerasimenko was supposed to file a story on the corporate takeover on July 18 but missed the deadline — something the editor said was very unusual for Gerasimenko.
Colleagues told CPJ that Gerasimenko’s murder could be connected to his work. Saratovsky Rasklad often publishes business and political analyses and investigations. The Saratov prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case but has not commented on possible motives, press reports said.
“Russia’s roster of deadly censorship continues to grow with no sign of relenting,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. “In light of authorities’ record of impunity in journalist killings, CPJ calls on prosecutors to pursue every lead and conduct a detailed and transparent probe into the brutal murder of our colleague Yevgeny Gerasimenko. Considering his recent investigative work, the professional motive in his killing should be investigated thoroughly.”
At least 12 journalists have been murdered in contract-style slayings since 2000 in Russia. All of the cases remain unsolved, CPJ said in a press-release.
Another group, Reporters Without Borders, said Thursday it was “deeply shocked” at the murder of Yevgeny Gerasimenko, according to an RWB press-release, obtained by the UNIAN news agency.
“This has happened just a few days after the end of the G8 summit meeting that Russia chaired in St. Petersburg,” the international press freedom organization said. “None of the world leaders attending publicly mentioned Russia’s ever-worsening press freedom. At least 13 journalists have been killed in the country because of their work since 2000 and none of the cases have been solved by the authorities.”
Reporters Without Borders conveyed condolences to his family and colleagues.
