Criminal Proceedings in the Murder of Paul Klebnikov

The United States welcomes the news that pre-trial proceedings are scheduled to begin in Moscow this week for two of the persons charged with the July 2004 murder of Paul Klebnikov, the editor of Forbes Russia magazine. We expect that all those implicated in this terrible crime will be tried consistent with international standards and, if convicted, punished appropriately. We urge Russian judicial authorities to conduct this important trial openly and transparently. Their handling of this case will send a clear message that those who threaten journalists will be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.