Top Russian Court Orders Broader Probe of Journalist’s 2006 Slaying

In an unexpected move that may enhance the chance of bringing to justice those responsible for the high-profile slaying of a Russian journalist in 2006, the country's top court has reversed a lower court ruling and ordered the broader investigation of the crime sought by the family of Anna Politkovskaya.

But critics say the ruling today by Russia's Supreme Court will be effective only if the government now actively investigates Politkovskaya's murder, reports the Associated Press.

"Whether the Prosecutor General's office will use this new opportunity we cannot say," says civil rights lawyer Karinna Moskalenko, who represents Politkovskaya's family. "We can only hope."

Politkovskaya was gunned down in 2006 in the elevator of her Moscow apartment building. Although three alleged accomplices in her murder have been identified, the family argued that a new investigation was needed to obtain further evidence against them and other claimed participants, and the court today agreed, explains an ABC News account of the ruling.

Earlier related coverage:

ABA Journal: "Russia Claws at the Rule of Law"

ABAJournal.com: "Supporters of Slain Russian Journalist to Seek Justice Elsewhere"

ABAJournal.com: "Even Routine Law Practice is Difficult and Dangerous in Russia"