Two Interesting Articles on Russia

This New York Times article explains Vladmir Putin's plan to rebuild Russia through energy resources. The Second piece examines press freedom in Russia in the wake of the daylight murder of Stanislav Markelov and journalist, Anastasia Baburova courtesy of Der Spiegel.

Human Rights Lawyer and Journalist Gunned Down in Moscow

Stanislav Markelov a lawyer, who fought for human rights in Russia and a journalist with him were gunned down in broad daylight in central Moscow. The murder occurred after they left a press conference where he announced that he was going to continue to fight against the release of a a former army commander who killed a Chechen woman. Markelov has previously fought against army abuses committed in Chechnya and against neo-fascist groups and had worked with the slain journalist, Anna Politkovskaya. Anastasia Baburova a journalist who was with Markelov was killed worked for the Novaya Gazeta, a newspaper, that has often been critical of the government.- NY Times