Malik Akhmedilov | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1976 |
| Died | 11 August 2009 (aged 32–33) |
| Occupation(s) | Investigative journalist and editor |
Malik Akhmedilov (Russian: Малик Ахмедилов; c. 1976 – 11 August 2009), also known as Abdulmalik Akhmedilov, was a Russian investigative journalist based in the southern Republic of Dagestan.
Akhmedilov was a leading investigative correspondent for the Avar language daily newspaper, Hakikat (ХIакъикъат, also transliterated as Khakikat),[1] which translates to "The Truth" in English.[2] He also worked as the editor-in-chief of the political monthly, Sogratl (Согратль), which translates as "Mountain Village".[2] Sogratl focuses on political issues and civics.[2]
Akhmedilov was known for his reports on several unsolved assassinations of officials in Dagestan.[2] In columns in Hakikat, Akhmedilov heavily criticized Russian federal forces and local law enforcement for curbing religious and political freedom under the guise of an "anti-extremism" campaign.[3]
Akhmedilov was awarded an Internationale Parliaments-Stipendium Fellowship [1] through the German Parliament in 2006 and served as an aide to Margrit Wetzel (SPD).
Akhmedilov was found shot to death in a car on the edge of the Dagestani capital, Makhachkala, on 11 August 2009.[2] He was 33 years old at the time of his murder. Police believed that Akhmedilov was shot at close range with a pistol,[2] although independent sources have claimed he was shot with a Winchester Rifle.[4] According to the same source, eyewitnesses assert that the shots were made by unknown persons who got out of a "Zhiguli" car without number plates and tinted glasses. They have also stated that had seen the car for several days near the journalist's house.[4]
The killing of Akhmedilov came after a string of murders of reporters and journalists in Dagestan including that of television journalist Abdulla Alishayev in September 2008.[2] Two more Dagestani journalists were killed in March 2009.[2]