H. E. Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Administration of the President
Staraya Sq. 4
103132, Moscow
Russian Federation

Fax: + 7 (095) 206 51 73 / 206 07 66 / 206 35 66

H. E. Magomedali Magomedov
Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Dagestan
Lenin Sq. 2
Mahachkala
Dagestan
Russian Federation

Fax: +7 (8722) 67 30 60

Vienna, 23 June 2004

Your Excellencies,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, is deeply concerned about the attempted murder of Tagib Abdusamadov, director of GTRK “Dagestan”, in Mahachkala, capital of Dagestan.

According to the information before IPI, Abdusamadov was shot in the chest on 18 June by unknown assailants in downtown Mahachkala. He remains hospitalised in critical condition. Police suspect that the assailant used a sniper’s rifle with a silencer to carry out the attack. The local prosecutor’s office is investigating several motives for the assassination attempt, but Abdusamadov’s professional activities are believed to be the most likely reason.

GTRK “Dagestan” is part of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Company (VGTRK) and has the most extensive broadcast range in the Dagestan republic. Since his appointment by Russian Media Minister Mikhail Lesin in February 2003, Abdusamadov has introduced several reforms to the television company, including a reduction in the number of the work force.

IPI strongly condemns the attempted murder of Abdusamadov and calls on Your Excellencies to ensure that there is a thorough investigation and that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz
Director