MOSCOW — 2003 · Suspicious Death
Suspicious Death of Yuri Shchekochikhin
Yuri Shchekochikhin, a Novaya Gazeta journalist and member of parliament, died in Moscow on 3 July 2003 after a short, rapidly worsening illness. The official cause of death was given as an allergic reaction. His family and colleagues, however, suspected poisoning, pointing to the many threats he received while investigating a high-level corruption and smuggling scandal. The Investigative Committee opened a possible murder inquiry in 2008, but forensic examinations found no traces of poisoning and the case was closed in April 2009. Press freedom organisations still regard his death as unexplained.
- Date
- 2003
- Place
- Moscow, Russia, Moscow, RU
- Category
- Suspicious Death
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 55.7500, 37.6200 ↗
Timeline of Events
- June 2003Shchekochikhin suddenly fell seriously ill.
- 3 July 2003He died in Moscow; the official cause was an allergic reaction.
- April 2008An investigation into possible murder was opened.
- April 2009The case was closed after no traces of poisoning were found.
Sources
- RFE/RL — Case Closed On Suspicious Death Of Moscow Journalist rferl.org ↗
- CPJ — Yuri Shchekochikhin cpj.org ↗
- IFEX — Criminal investigation closed ifex.org ↗
- RFE/RL
- Committee to Protect Journalists
- IFEX
Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.