Journalists Killed in 1999 - Motive Confirmed: Ramzan Mezhidov
- Document source:
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Date:
January 2000
TV Tsentr
October 29, 1999, in Shaami Yurt, Russia
Mezhidov, a freelance cameraman working for the Moscow-based TV Tsentr, and Shamil Gigayev, a cameraman for independent Nokh Cho Television in Grozny, were killed during a Russian air attack on refugees fleeing Chechnya.
The journalists were covering a refugee convoy en route from Grozny to Nazran, in neighboring Ingushetia. As the convoy approached the Chechen town of Shaami Yurt, a Russian bomber fired several rockets from the air, hitting a busload of refugees. Despite warnings from colleagues traveling with them, Mezhidov and Gigayev left their vehicle to film the carnage. As they approached the bus, another Russian rocket hit a nearby truck, fatally wounding both journalists.
Medium: | Television |
Job: | Camera Operator |
Beats Covered: | War |
Gender: | Male |
Local or Foreign: | Local |
Freelance: | Yes |
Type of Death: | Crossfire/Combat-Related |
Suspected Source of Fire: | Military Officials |
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