[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 499 Introduced in House (IH)]







109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 499

Condemning the murder of American journalist Paul Klebnikov on July 9, 
 2004, in Moscow and the murders of other members of the media in the 
                          Russian Federation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 18, 2005

Mr. McCotter submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                the Committee on International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Condemning the murder of American journalist Paul Klebnikov on July 9, 
 2004, in Moscow and the murders of other members of the media in the 
                          Russian Federation.

Whereas on July 9, 2004, American journalist Paul Klebnikov was murdered by 
        gunmen as he exited the Moscow offices of Forbes Magazine;
Whereas twelve journalists have been murdered in the Russian Federation since 
        the Putin administration took office, and Mr. Klebnikov was the first 
        and only United States citizen among these journalists;
Whereas the Department of State's 2004 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 
        claims government pressure in Russia continues to weaken freedom of 
        expression and the independence and freedom of the media, particularly 
        among the major national television networks and regional media outlets;
Whereas this repression of free speech in Russia has engendered the belief that 
        journalists can be intimidated and killed with impunity;
Whereas the Government of Russia claims Mr. Klebnikov's murder was ordered by 
        Khozh-Akhmed Nukhayev, a fugitive Chechen warlord; and
Whereas a group of United States investigative journalists who doubt the Russian 
        Government's claim has launched its own inquiry into the death of Mr. 
        Klebnikov: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) condemns the murder of American journalist Paul 
        Klebnikov on July 9, 2004, in Moscow and the murders of other 
        members of the media in the Russian Federation;
            (2) urges the Government of Russia to continue its 
        inquiries into the murder of Mr. Klebnikov;
            (3) urges the Government of Russia to take appropriate 
        action to protect the independence and freedom of the Russian 
        media and all visiting members of the media; and
            (4) commends all journalists working and living in Russia 
        for their courageous dedication to transparency and the truth.
                                 <all>