Chernovik (Russian: Черновик for "Rough Draft") is a weekly newspaper published by Svoboda Slova (translated as "Freedom of Speech") and based in the Republic of Dagestan, North Caucasus region, Russia. Reporters Without Borders has described it as "Dagestan's leading independent newspaper"[1] and the newspaper with the third largest circulation in Dagestan.[2]
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The newspapaper was founded by Gadzhimurat Kamalov in 2003.[3] Those serving as editor-in-chief include Kamalov (2005-2006), Nadira Isayeva, and Biyakai Magomedov (present).
From 2008 to 2011, following a series of articles critical of the Federal Security Service's counterinsurgency tactics, the newspaper's editor-in-chief, Nadira Isayeva, was involved in a high-profile prosecution for "inciting hatred toward law enforcement officials" and other charges.[4] Chernovik reporters Magomed Magomedov, Artur Mamayev and Timur Mustafayev were also charged, along with their lawyer Biyakai Magomedov.[5] International press freedom organizations ARTICLE 19,[5] Reporters Without Borders,[1] and the Committee to Protect Journalists all protested the charges, the latter awarding Isayeva a 2010 International Press Freedom Award for risking her "freedom and security" for her reporting.[6] All five were later acquitted following a trial Isayeva described as "a test for the institution of press freedom" in Dagestan.[7]
On 15 December 2011 Gadzhimurat Kamalov was assassinated as he left Chernovik's offices.[8]