Investigation considers four versions of Natalia Estemirova's murder

As stated in Rostov-on-Don by Arkadiy Edelev, Russian Deputy Interior Minister, the investigation has four versions of Natalia Estemirova's murder.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Investigatory Committee at the Prosecutor's Office (ICPO) of the Russian Federation initially considered Estemirova's professional work as the basic pretext of the murder. Russian human rights activists expressed their confidence that the kidnapping in Chechnya of the employees of the HRC "Memorial" has to do with her work.

"Under the second version, the murder is linked with a provocation initiated by leaders of bandit formations with the aim to discredit leaders of federation subjects and law enforcement bodies," said Mr Edelev. "The third version is robbery and plunder. This version has the right to exist since the woman received funds in currency and grants for fulfilment of certain missions. And under the fourth version, the murder was committed on some personal motives related to her unfortunate family relations," the "Gazeta.Ru" quotes Mr Edelev.

President of Russia Dmitri Medvedev believes that Estemirova's murder has to do with her professional work. At the joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of Russia treated this crime as a provocation.

"Those who committed this atrocity, this crime, hoped that the most primitive and unacceptable versions for the authorities will be made public. For this very reason, in my opinion, such crimes are dated to some significant events," said Mr Medvedev.

President of Russia has expressed his confidence that the murder will be solved.

Angela Merkel, in her turn, has stated that she was shocked by the murder and hopes that the culprits will be found and punished. "I'm shocked by the murder of this courageous woman. Her killers shall be caught and duly punished," said Ms Merkel.