The deputy chief editor of Novoye Delo ( New Business) newspaper was killed by gunmen in Dagestan, Russia’s North Caucus .

 According to media reports, Akmednabiyev was in his car, just 50 meters from his home, when the unknown attackers began shooting, killing him at the scene. The attackers then fled the scene in their car.

Media reports say that Akhmednabiyev had written articles criticising local authorities and insurgent groups. He is said to have received repeated death threats and in January of this year he survived an attempt on his life when attackers also fired shots at his car.

The killing comes just weeks after the IFJ and its Russian affiliate, the Russian Federation of Journalists (RUJ), completed a two week training of safety trainers’ course for journalists in Dagestan as part of the union's efforts to address the terrible threats that continue to plague journalists throughout this region. The training was supported by the Norwegian government and the European Commission.

The RUJ has expressed its deep sadness at the loss of a colleague and called for increased protection for journalists working in the region.

"The wave of violence against journalists in this region over the last two years is an attempt to terrorise those in the media and undermine freedom of expression," said EFJ Vice-President Nadezda Azhgikhina. "The authorities must take action to protect the safety of journalists, in the region must take measures to protect their staff, and the journalists themselves need to ensure they remain vigilant."

Source: IFJ