CPJ welcomes Kadyrov's recall of claims to "Novaya Gazeta" and HRC "Memorial"

Robert Mahony, deputy director of the international Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has named the decision of President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov to recall his claims to the "Novaya Gazeta" and Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" the first small step towards liquidation of the frightening effect against journalists in Russia.

At the same time Mr Mahony has emphasizes that the recall of claims should be followed by real steps towards better conditions in Russia for the work of the press.

"Everything that liquidates the frightening effect against journalists should be certainly welcomed. But it's a small step, it's the first step. Unless journalists feel that state institutions are here to protect them at performing their journalistic duties, our mission is not completed," the "Gazeta.Ru" quotes Mr Mahony as saying.

"Until there is supremacy of the law and until there are duly working legal system and normally functioning system of law enforcement bodies, how can journalists perform their work, trying to receive and tell the truth if nobody supports them?" the deputy director of the CPJ asked.

As reported by the "Echo Moskvy" Radio, activists of the CPJ plan to meet Russian law enforcers and discuss the progress in investigating the murders of journalists.