Seven senior special rapporteurs working under the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have asked Russia for permission to assist officials in investigating the murder of prominent activist Natalya Estemirova.
Estemirova was abducted in the Chechen capital last week. Her dead body with two bullet wounds was later found in bordering Ingushetia.
The Chechen branch of the human rights group “Memorial”, where Estemirova worked, has suspended its activities in the republic after the murder.