The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomed news that three men have been charged in the killing of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya but said that those who ordered the killing must also face charges.

"We welcome the fact that there is justice on the way but in order for justice to be fully delivered those who ordered killing must be held accountable," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White.

Russian investigators today charged Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov with Politkovskaya's murder. The suspected gunman, Rustam Makhmudov, remains at large, according to reports. Another man, former secret service officer Pavel Ryaguzov, was charged with abuse of power and extortion in connection with the inquiry but the committee said the charges relate to other crimes.

Politkovskaya, an internationally renowned Kremlin critic who regularly exposed human rights abuses by Russian forces in Chechnya, was shot in the entrance to her block of flats on 7th October 2006. Her assassination sparked protests and demonstrations around the world in sympathy for her family and demanding justice.

Politkovskaya's murder brought international attention to the danger that journalists face in Russia. She was one of four media workers killed in Russia in 2006. Around 255 journalists and media staff have been killed in Russia since 1993. Many of these deaths have been explained, but while President Vladimir Putin was in power around 20 killings of journalists have taken place and none of them have been satisfactorily resolved.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 122 countries worldwide