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Today in History: Anna Politkovskaya assassinated in Moscow apartment elevator

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On 7 October 2006, Russian journalist and human-rights activist Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead in her Moscow apartment-building elevator. Known for exposing abuses in the Second Chechen War and criticizing President Vladimir Putin, her murder sparked worldwide condemnation. Although three Chechens were initially arrested and later acquitted, six people were eventually convicted for the killing.

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Story summary

On 7 October 2006, Russian journalist and human-rights activist Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead in her Moscow apartment-building elevator. Known for exposing abuses in the Second Chechen War and criticizing President Vladimir Putin, her murder sparked worldwide condemnation. Although three Chechens were initially arrested and later acquitted, six people were eventually convicted for the killing.