| Malik Akhmedilov | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 |
| Died | August 11, 2009 Makhachkala |
| Occupation | Investigative journalist and editor |
Malik Akhmedilov (Russian: Малик Ахмедилов also known as Abdulmalik Akhmedilov; c. 1976 - August 11, 2009) was a Russian investigative journalist based in the southern Republic of Dagestan.
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Akhmedilov was a leading investigative correspondent for the Avar language daily newspaper, Hakikat (ХIакъикъат, also transliterated as Khakikat[1]), which translates to "The Truth" in English.[2] He also worked as the editor in chief of the political monthly, Sogratl (Согратль), which translates as "Mountain Village".[2] The Sogratl focuses on political issues and civics.[2]
Akhmedilov was known for his reports on several unsolved assassinations of officials in Dagestan.[2] In columns in Hakikat, Akhmedilov heavily criticized Russian federal forces and local law enforcement for curbing religious and political freedom under the guise of an "anti-extremism" campaign.[3]
Akhmedilov was awarded an Internationale Parliaments-Stipendium Fellowship [1] through the German Parliament in 2006 and served as an Aide in the office of Dr. Margrit Wetzel (SPD).
Malik Akhmedilov was found shot to death in a car on the edge of the Dagestani capital, Makhachkala, on August 11, 2009.[2] He was 33 years old at the time of his murder. Police believe that Akhmedilov was shot at close range with a pistol,[2] although independent sources have claimed he was shot with a Winchester Rifle[4] According to the same source, eyewitnesses assert that the shots were made by unknown persons who got out of a "Zhiguli-10" model car without number plates and tinted glasses. They have also stated that had seen the car for several days near the journalist's house.[4]
Koïchiro Matsuura, who was the director-general of UNESCO, said, "Enabling journalists to carry out their work in reasonable conditions of safety and letting them contribute to public debate are two essential conditions to improve peace and stability in the Caucasus."
The killing of Akhmedilov comes after a string of murders of reporters and journalists in Dagestan including that of television journalist Abdulla Alishayev who was assassinated in September 2008.[2] and two more Dagestani journalists who were killed in March 2009.[2]