February 02, 2026

Vandalism at a Murder Site


Vandalism at a Murder Site
Grief won’t bring back those who were killed. The Russian Life files

In recent months, a memorial plaque for murdered journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been torn down numerous times, only to be replaced by activists.

The first incident took place on January 18, when the original plaque to Politkovskaya was destroyed. The court found a certain Alexander Filippov guilty and fined him R1,000 (about $13). 

The day after the plaque was destroyed, activists installed a new, temporary one made of foam board, but it too was soon torn down by unknown persons. The situation began to repeat itself over and over again; responsibility for the destruction was claimed by both residents of the building and neo-Nazi groups.

On January 27, the Telegram channel “Ostrozhno, novosti” reported that the plaque had been torn down for a seventh time. According to state-run newspaper Kommersant, representatives of the Yabloko party intend to join the fight for the plaque and have already put up a new one.

"While the existence of this plaque did not bother many people for many years, today its destruction persistently brings back into the public eye the very fact of the murder that took place in the elevator of this building,” said Alexander Politkovsky, husband of the journalist.

Politkovskaya wrote about crimes in Chechnya for Novaya Gazeta and the investigation into her murder concluded that the motive was grounded in her professional activities. A stone plaque was installed on her apartment building's façade on the first anniversary of the tragedy, in 2007. 

Today, nearly 20 years after her murder, the memory of the crime has become a battleground between two irreconcilable political camps, and it is unfolding at 8 Lesnaya Street in Moscow. Notably, one of the accomplices to the crime, former police officer Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, was freed from prison to participate in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was not only pardoned, but received an order for bravery in 2023.

You Might Also Like

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955