I was saddened today to hear about the devestating murder of a courageous and brilliant journalist, one of my personal heroes.
Anna Politkovskaya was an incredible woman whom I hope will be remembered as of one the bravest Journalists in Russian history.
Despite the risks, she exposed the truth about the appauling conditions of the life of Russian soldiors, the War in Chechnya and the ever increasing restrictions on freedom enacted by the Putin Government.

In a recent interview here at Sydneys annual writers festival when asked about the impact her honesty has had on her life she responded: "The price does not matter in comparison to the cause you are trying to serve." ( view the interview)

Loved and respected by many in her country, I hope her death sends a powerful message to the Russian people to fight for their right to have critical voices heard, something that with 12 journalists murdered over the last 6 years is becoming an impossible task.

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