Russian court: Two ultranationalists guilty in Markelov murder

A Russian court Thursday found two ultranationalists guilty in the 2009 murder of human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova, dpa reported.

In a late evening decision, the jury found that Nikita Tikhonov, 30, and his partner Yevgeniya Khasis had collaborated in the killings.

Markelov, well known for his human rights activism, and Baburova, a Kremlin critic, were slain in broad daylight on a street in the center of Moscow in January 2009.

Sentencing will take place early next month, when they face life in prison.

There were many contradictions during the court case, and the defence has indicated it will appeal the decision.

Tichonov and Khasis, former members of an extreme right wing group, insisted they did not commit the murders.

They were arrested in November 2009. Russia's lagging pursuit of the case has drawn criticism from rights activists around the world.

Markelov took a strident activist role against right wing extremists in Russian society, and for protection of human rights in the conflict-ridden northern Caucasus.

Baburova was seen as a bystander victim. After the killer or killers shot Markelov, she ran after them and was also shot.