Russia: editor-in-chief of Minusinsk local newspaper Dmitry Popkov shot dead

The International and the European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) have joined their affiliate, the Russian Union of Journalists (the RUJ), in condemning the murder of Dmitry Popkov, a former councillor and co-founder and editor-in-chief of local newspaper Ton-M based in Minusinsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai of Russia. 
Police found Popkov's body with five bullet wounds late at night on 24 May, 2017.  
Popkov was known for his investigative journalism and reports on abuse of power and corruption in the country. In 2012, after having been accused of beating a child and deprived of his position at Minusinsk City Council, Popkov founded Ton-M newspaper, the slogan of which is "We write the things that others stay silent about". According to Russia’s Khakasiya news agency, Ton-M had already been subject to government pressure and several police raids.
The RUJ points out that they “can not affirm that the murder was connected with the professional activities of Popkov” but called for “thorough investigations of all criminal acts committed against journalists”. “Our special concern arises from the fact that such murders frequently remain not investigated and unpunished”, says the RUJ.   
The International and the European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) stand in solidarity with the RUJ and insist on an immediate investigation of this case.

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