Czech Prime Minister Calls for More International Pressure on Russia

(Prague, Czech Republic–October 4, 2007) Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek today called for intensified international pressure on the Russian government to uphold the rule of law and freedom of expression.

He made the statement at a conference held at Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, marking the first anniversary of the murder of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya in Moscow October 7, 2006. Topolanek said “It is important for Russian authorities to investigate her murder to the fullest extent,” adding that “The outcome of the investigation of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya’s murder will attest to the current situation in Russia.” He said no one can influence the courts in Russia but it is incumbent on politicians in a democracy to express their views on events and encroachment on the safety of journalists and freedom of expression. “That is why I came here to RFE/RL today,” Topolanek said.