Memorials honoring lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova, killed in Moscow in 2009, were held across Russia and Europe on January 19, 2025. The events coincided with the 17th anniversary of their deaths and followed the recent destruction of a memorial plaque dedicated to journalist Anna Politkovskaya.
Remembering Markelov and Baburova
Markelov and Baburova were shot and killed on January 19, 2009, following a press conference concerning the release of former Colonel Yuri Budanov, who had previously been imprisoned for the murder of Elza Kungayeva. Markelov had represented the injured party in the Budanov case.
On January 19, 2025, memorial events took place in cities including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Riga, and others. In Moscow, members of the Yabloko party laid flowers at the site of the murders on Prechistenka Street. The Yabloko party has appealed to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to install a permanent memorial plaque at the location.
Concerns Over Rising Intolerance
Kirill Goncharov, Chairman of the Moscow Yabloko party, connected the recent destruction of the Anna Politkovskaya memorial plaque to the current events, stating, “A memorial plaque was destroyed at the site of journalist Anna Politkovskaya’s murder [yesterday]. And, it seems to me, these are all links in the same chain. This shows that hatred and intolerance are once again raising their heads in our country.”
The destruction of the Politkovskaya plaque, carried out by individuals claiming neo-Nazi affiliation, prompted demands for a criminal investigation from the journalist’s family and the editorial board of Novaya Gazeta. A temporary replacement plaque installed by the Civil Initiative party was also subsequently destroyed.
Memorials also appeared in cities beyond Moscow, including St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Baksan, and others. However, three activists – Denis Belousov, Nikita Teryaev, and Grigory Oganezov – were detained in Samara while participating in a memorial event.
Evgenia Khasis, convicted in connection with the murders of Markelov and Baburova, was released from prison at the end of November 2025. In a recent interview, Khasis admitted to being an accomplice in Markelov’s murder, while expressing regret for Baburova’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova known for?
Stanislav Markelov was a lawyer who represented victims of state violence and human rights abuses. Anastasia Baburova was a journalist who reported on far-right extremism and human rights issues.
Where did memorial events take place?
Memorial events were held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Riga, Rostov-on-Don, Baksan, and numerous other cities across Russia and Europe.
What has the Yabloko party requested of the Moscow mayor?
The Yabloko party has appealed to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to install a permanent memorial plaque at the site where Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova were murdered on Prechistenka Street.
As these events unfold, will the calls for a permanent memorial in Moscow be answered, and what impact will continued acts of intolerance have on the preservation of memory and freedom of expression in Russia?
