RUSSIA: Stanislav Markelov

Stanislav Markelov, a prominent Russian lawyer, was known for defending journalists, political activists, and victims of human rights abuses, especially in the Chechen conflict. His high-profile cases often challenged the Russian government's actions and policies.

Tragically, Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova were murdered in broad daylight on January 19, 2009, in Moscow, sparking international outrage. What does their story reveal about the dangers faced by those who fight for justice in Russia? Read on to find out.

Stanislav Markelov was a very well-known and successful human rights lawyer

EARLY LIFE

Stanislav Markelov was born on May 20, 1974, in Moscow, Russia. Growing up in the waning years of the Soviet Union, he witnessed significant political and social changes during his formative years, which likely influenced his later dedication to justice and human rights.

Markelov pursued his higher education at Moscow State University. There, he studied law and developed a deep interest in human rights and civil liberties. His time at university was crucial in shaping his legal philosophy and his commitment to defending those who were marginalized and oppressed. 

HIS WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

Stanislav Markelov built a distinguished career as a lawyer and human rights advocate, focusing on cases that often put him at odds with powerful state and non-state actors. He was particularly known for defending victims of human rights abuses in the turbulent North Caucasus region, including Chechnya. Markelov represented the families of civilians who suffered at the hands of Russian military forces and other authorities, tirelessly working to bring attention to their plights and seek justice in a system often resistant to transparency and accountability.

Before becoming one of Russia's best human rights defenders, Markelov was a self-declared social democrat. He got involved heavily in ways to protect labor rights. 

In the later end of 1993, Markelov volunteered for a medical unit that was made up of socialists and anarchists. He helped to gather up the wounded and carry the dead on their last destination. At this time, he was 19 years old. 

In 1994 to 1995, Stanislav Markelov was part of the radical left wing of the Student Defence trade union. They lead significant demonstrations in Moscow for higher student grants, ending the war in Chechnya, and critiquing big business. His involvement linked human rights defense with condemnation of Russian capitalism. As a left social-democrat, Markelov engaged with anarchists, participating in the Pryamukhino anarchist workshop and the Protectors of the Rainbow movement, which opposed nuclear power projects. He admired these groups for their practical realization of utopian ideals.

Markelov sought to integrate social and economic rights into human rights work, criticizing the liberal human rights community for neglecting broader societal needs. At the Vyborg Paper Factory, workers seized control in response to owner neglect, and Markelov defended them against riot police actions. He condemned the liberal press for demanding worker accountability to avoid reevaluating privatization outcomes. Markelov highlighted the human rights community's reluctance to support these workers, revealing a narrow focus that excluded the social justice struggles he championed.

In addition to his work in Chechnya, Markelov was involved in several high-profile cases that garnered international attention. He defended journalists and political activists who faced persecution for their opposition to the Russian government. Notably, he represented the family of Elza Kungayeva, a young Chechen woman who was abused and murdered by a Russian Army Colonel, Yuri Budanov. Markelov's efforts were crucial in securing a conviction, a rare instance of accountability in such cases. His legal battles often highlighted systemic issues within the Russian judicial and political systems, exposing corruption and the misuse of power.

Markelov's commitment to human rights extended beyond the courtroom. He was an active participant in various civil society initiatives and frequently spoke out against human rights abuses and government overreach. His advocacy was not without risks, as he faced numerous threats and attacks throughout his career. Despite these dangers, Markelov remained steadfast in his mission to defend the voiceless and hold those in power accountable. 

HIS MURDER 

Stanislav Markelov was tragically murdered on January 19, 2009, in Moscow. He was shot in broad daylight after leaving a press conference.  He announced plans to appeal the early release of Yuri Budanov. Markelov was hit in the head, the assailant had a gun with a silencer. Anastasia Baburova, a journalist and fellow activist who worked for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was also shot while trying to assist him. She had been shot in the head as well, and succumbed to her injuries later that day. The brazen nature of their killings sent shockwaves through Russia and the international community. 

Markelov's death was widely condemned by human rights organizations, journalists, and international observers, who called for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims. The murders were seen as a stark reminder of the risks confronting human rights activists and journalists in Russia, where violence and intimidation against those who oppose the government or powerful figures are not uncommon. Despite significant public outcry and pressure from the international community, concerns about the effectiveness and impartiality of the investigation persisted, reflecting broader issues of law enforcement and judicial independence in Russia. 

INTERNAL AND INTERNATIONAL REACTION 

In Moscow, nearly 300 young people protested, chanting slogans like "United Russia is a fascist country" and "Markelov will live forever." In Grozny, over 2,000 people took to the streets in response to the events. The outpouring of grief and anger was also marked by official condolences; on 23 January 2009, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko sent a condolence telegram to Markelov's parents, followed six days later by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's expression of sympathy. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called for an impartial investigation into the incident, while hate crimes expert Galina Kozhevnikova revealed she received an emailed threat warning her to prepare to "join Markelov."

The BBC highlighted that Markelov had intended to appeal the early release of Yuri Budanov, who was released from a ten-year prison sentence for "repenting." Budanov condemned the killings as provocations meant to incite hostility between Russians and Chechens and extended his condolences to the families. Echo of Moscow's investigations revealed a pervasive public distrust in the authorities' ability to effectively investigate the murder, with many believing the crimes would go unsolved. This deep-seated mistrust fueled widespread discussion and protests in the aftermath of the murder.

THE INVESTIGATION

The investigation into the murders of Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova faced significant scrutiny and skepticism. Initially, there were concerns about whether Russian authorities would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, given the high-profile nature of the victims and the politically sensitive cases Markelov was involved in. The case was taken up by the Investigative Committee of Russia. After several months, two suspects, 29-year old Nikita Tikhonov and his girlfriend, 24-year- old Yevgenia Khasis, were arrested in November 2009. They were linked to ultranationalist group, , which added a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting motives related to their extremist ideologies. They were linked to the group Battle Organization of Russian Nationalists (BORN). 

The investigation concluded that Tikhonov was the shooter and Khasis acted as an accomplice. Both were convicted in 2011; Tikhonov received a life sentence, and Khasis was sentenced to 18 years in prison. While the convictions were seen as a step toward justice, doubts remained about the investigation's depth and whether all those responsible were held accountable. Critics argued that the case might have involved broader networks and that the investigation might not have fully explored these connections due to political sensitivities.

Some critics also linked the murders to Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov. They said that the shooters who were responsible for Natalia Estemirova's death were also responsible for these two tragic murders. 

CONCLUSION 

The tragic murders of Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova highlight the dangerous realities faced by human rights defenders and journalists in Russia. Markelov's dedication to justice, forged through his education at Moscow State University and his relentless advocacy in the North Caucasus and for political activists, positioned him against powerful state actors. His work exposed systemic abuses and demanded accountability, but also made him a target in an increasingly repressive environment.

The investigation into their deaths, which led to the convictions of ultranationalist extremists, left questions about its thoroughness and the broader network of culpability. The outcry from human rights organizations, protests, and international condemnation following their murders underscored the urgent need for greater protections for activists. Markelov’s legacy continues to inspire the fight for human rights and justice, serving as a poignant reminder of the courage required to challenge oppressive power structures.

References:

• Open Democracy: To remember is to fight: the legacy of Russian activist lawyer Stanislav Markelov
• Front Line Defenders: Stanislav Markelov
• The Guardian: Human rights lawyer murdered in Moscow
• Amnesty International: Letter from the parents of murdered Russian journalist, Anastasia Baburova
• Human Rights in Ukraine: Remembering Stas Markelov & Nastya Baburova