Sam Brownback: “Paul believed that the press was the last outpost of freedom of speech in Russia. The fear and self-censorship generated…”

“Paul believed that the press was the last outpost of freedom of speech in Russia. The fear and self-censorship generated by killing journalists benefits corrupt government officials and businessmen, as well as organized crime figures. Solving the murder no matter where the investigation leads--will send the signal to other malefactors who seek to muzzle free speech that the days of impunity and lawlessness are over. As we wrote to President Putin, this case is not just about one person, but about what he represented to a new and democratic Russia. I would note also that at least two more journalists have been killed in Russia since Paul's death.”