H. E. Boris Yeltsin
President of Russia
Moscow
Russian Federation

Vienna, 15 May 1996

The International Press Institute (IPI) strongly condemns the killing of a Russian journalist in southeastern Siberia.

IPI is informed that Viktor Mikhailov, a crime reporter for the daily newspaper Zabaikalsy Rabochy, was murdered by unknown assailants while working in the city centre of Chita on 11 May 1996. We understand that he had been covering the work of law enforcement agencies at the time of his death.

IPI, a global network of editors and media executives from newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and news agencies in 85 countries, is deeply concerned about the apparent failure of Russian authorities to adequately investigate the murder of journalists in Russia. We therefore strongly urge that you authorize an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of Mr. Mikhailov and that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice. We further urge that all possible steps are taken to protect the safety of journalists working in Russia.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director