Journalists in Russia Face Danger

       In Russia, many journalists are trying to cover important political stories highlighting the extensive corruption taking place in the Russian government.  These journalists are writing these stores to reveal some of the misconduct going on in the political system.  Printing these stories could possibly bring about less corruption, but unfortunately many of these journalists are killed before their words can be heard.
       Since 1992, 76 journalists have died while working in Russia.  The problem with the number of journalists that have died is that over 60% of those deaths have been murder.  In some of these murders it is clear that the person or group that committing them are the ones that are being targeted in the journalists' story.  However even though the criminals can be identified, they are not being put to justice.  In 90% of all the murder cases involving journalists have had no one be held accountable.
       Today, Russia has one of the most corrupt governments in the world.  As long as there are people trying to uncover this corruption, Russia has a chance of reforming.  Ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country has been making strides toward being a freer country.  However since so many journalists are being killed while trying to help Russia, it means that with every story that doesn't get printed, Russia gets farther and farther away from being a legitimate democracy.
       To combat this problem, the U.N. and other countries must put more pressure on Russia to become more responsible and to protect journalists.  If Russia continues to allow journalist to die then the U.N. must attempt to actively protect journalists.  Because if the the journalists' can print their stories then Russia's corruption can be exposed and their political problems can begin to be fixed.