LETTER TO EDITOR: Human rights in Russia

OPINION:

Thursday’s editorial, “Russia’s gangster state” (Web headline, “Killing Russian journalists”) poses a very important question: What can Americans do to keep the flickering light of freedom alive in Russia? Last week, about 1,400 Americans joined Human Rights First’s public petition to President Dmitry Medvedev, urgently calling on the Russian government to conduct a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation of the brazen killings.

Though popular support and media attention to Russian affairs is crucial, the U.S. government can play a major role in promoting human rights in Russia by acting on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s promise to “make human rights a centerpiece of U.S. foreign policy.” Human rights promotion in Russia can and must be an integral part of a positive, cooperative relationship between Russia and the United States. To that extent, the State Department would benefit from listening to the recommendations on human rights promotion in Russia made by respected international civil society organizations.

INNOKENTY GREKOV

Human Rights First

New York, N.Y.