Valerii Ivanov, editor of the paper "Tolyatinskoye Obozreniye" in the southern Russian city of Togliatti, was shot dead outside his home on 29 April, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported. At about 11 p.m., Ivanov, 32, was shot eight times in the head at point-blank range while entering his car, Ivanov's colleague told CPJ. Eyewitnesses saw a 25- to 30-year-old man walk up to Ivanov's car and shoot him, according to local press reports and CPJ sources. The killer then fled the scene on foot. Local police have opened a criminal investigation and are considering several possible motives for the murder. Ivanov's colleagues believe the crime was connected to his work. "Tolyatinskoye Obozreniye" is known for its reports on local organized crime, drug trafficking, and official corruption. Ivanov also served as a deputy in the local Legislative Assembly. For more, visit http://www.cpj.org or e-mail: [email protected] (Committee to Protect Journalists, 30 April)

(RFE/RL 07.v.02)