Natalia Khusainova Estemirova , one of the most prominent human rights activists in Chechnya, who was abducted and found murdered on Wednesday has sparked an international outrage, with many wondering, who would be next on the hit-list and whether or not, it is worth to risk their lives to report on gross human right violations? Natalia’s body has been recovered and is being brought back to her home by her relatives for the rituals before her burial.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her condolences to the family of the deceased and has demanded a fair investigation, on circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Estemirova. In a statement, Angela Merkel said,

“I expressed my shock at the death.”

Similarly, Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev has announced his firm resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice and has described the incident as “a very sad event.”

The human rights organization, whom Natalia worked for has blamed the government of Chechnya and has demanded a fair investigation into the incident. United States of America has termed it as an “outrageous crime.”

The killing of Miss Estemirova is another addition to the ongoing slaughter of human right activists and journalists and has raised serious doubts over President Medvedev’s pledge of law and order in Chechnya. The Russian state prosecutor has resolved to take this case personally.

According to Oleg Orlov (Chairman, Memorial),

“I know, I am sure of it, who is guilty for the murder of Natalia… His name is Ramzan Kadyrov. Ramzan already threatened Natalia, insulted her, considered her a personal enemy. Estemirova defended human rights. She couldn’t possibly have had enemies amongst clear-thinking people. Those who took her life do not deserve to be called people. They deserve no mercy and they should be punished as the cruelest of criminals.”

Ramzan Kadyrov is the President of Chechnya and a former Chechen rebel who is known to have threatened Natalia Estemirova and according to sources had also denounced her work, when he summoned to the Presidential Residence of Chechnya.

Via Reuters.