08 May 2011
Yakhya Magomedov
Shooting
Yakhya Magomedov, Editor of the Avar-language version of As-Salam, a bi-monthly magazine that promotes a moderate version of traditional Islam, was shot four times as he was leaving his brother's home in Kokrek, near the northern city of Khasavyurt, at around 10.30 p.m.
The police are working on the assumption that Magomedov was killed by mistake and that the intended target was his brother, a police officer. Several analysts nonetheless point out that the anti-Wahhabi views of Magomedov's magazine may have aroused the anger of Muslim fundamentalists.
Journalists advocating a "peaceful Islam" have been the targets of recent attacks and Magomedov may have been another victim of their calls for violence. One observer told Reporters Without Borders that government officials may have also have been upset by the magazine's coverage of corruption.
