Helen Train Klebnikov's Remarks at the 2004 International Press Freedom Awards Dinner
Committee to Protect Journalists
November 23, 2004
Serge, thank you for your kind words.
On behalf of Paul's family and mine, who are here this evening I thank you for this award. Immediately after Paul's death, when our family was truly at a loss, CPJ came forward with solid advice and help. We are deeply grateful for everything you have done, this is a truly remarkable organization.
Paul was an intellectual; he was drawn to big ideas and the broad strokes of human history. He was fascinated by periods of great peril when people faced threats with courage. The Russian's battles with Napoleon and their terrible struggles through World War II inspired him deeply.
But for our times, he was worried about Russia not facing its moral and civil challenges with courage. He worried about the end of Russia because of its declining life expectancy and the disregard for human life. This time it wasn't a foreign enemy but people's cynicism caused by seeing criminality and greed run rampant and power used dishonestly. In his years of going to Russia Paul connected with both ordinary Russians who so often lacked hope, as well as honest professionals who needed a spokesman.
Paul felt a personal desire to convert the reigning apathy and hopelessness into optimism, and grass roots activism. He wanted to do this by offering positive stories and examples in the press and also personally supporting civil causes like historic preservation.
His voice resonated with those who were already engaged. Many people felt his dynamism and conviction, and believed he could use his talents as a journalist to expose rot, express indignation and demand justice. All sorts of people: policemen, priests, businessmen, village folk, artists, students, and fellow journalists, fueled Paul's hope for Russia through their friendship and support. In many cases they went way out on a limb by giving him valuable information for his investigations, people trusted him and wanted him to succeed. It is these people who still need to be heard now that Paul is gone. Their call for a civil society has to ring like a bell and be heard by those who need hope. This call has to be made through the media. The press has to be allowed to speak the truth, ugly or beautiful.
We, Paul's family, have created a fund to support journalism in Russia, and help promising young reporters such as the ones Paul surrounded himself with. We know many journalists around the world are mourning Paul's death and want to solve this terrible crime, and CPJ's role has been absolutely pivotal. I am sure each of you feels his loss.
One great journalist has been killed, but I hope other journalists will pick up the banner and fight on, because the attack on one is an attack on all journalists, and in this case, on hope itself.
