Lana Estemirova, daughter of renowned Chechen human rights activist Natalia Estemirova, has published "Please Live," a book she vowed to write after her mother's 2009 murder. The memoir details Natalia's fearless investigations into human rights abuses in Chechnya, the sacrifices she made, and Lana's journey to understand and accept her mother's choices. A documentary film, "Natasha," also premieres this month.
‘She lived without fear’: daughter of Chechen activist publishes book she vowed to pen after mother’s murder
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Lana Estemirova, daughter of renowned Chechen human rights activist Natalia Estemirova, has published "Please Live," a book she vowed to write after her mother's 2009 murder. The memoir details Natalia's fearless investigations into human rights abuses in Chechnya, the sacrifices she made, and Lana's journey to understand and accept her mother's choices. A documentary film, "Natasha," also premieres this month.
Trending- 1 1980s: Natalia Estemirova works as a history teacher.
- 2 2007: Journalist Anna Politkovskaya murdered.
- 3 2009: Natalia Estemirova kidnapped and murdered.
- 4 2012 (age 18): Lana Estemirova vows to write a book about her mother.
- 5 After 2009: Lana moves to Britain, then Portugal.
- 6 Last year: Lana has a daughter, Natasha.
- 7 June 8, 2025: Documentary film 'Natasha' premieres at Tribeca film festival.
- 8 Later this month (June 2025): Lana Estemirova's book 'Please Live' is published.
- Natalia Estemirova was murdered for her human rights work.
- Lana Estemirova moved to Britain and later Portugal due to the danger.
- The book and film aim to preserve Natalia's legacy and highlight Chechnya's history.
- The situation in Chechnya serves as a cautionary tale for Ukrainian regions under Russian control.
What: Lana Estemirova, daughter of murdered Chechen human rights activist Natalia Estemirova, publishes her book "Please Live," fulfilling a promise to tell her mother's story. A documentary film "Natasha" also premieres. The book covers Natalia's work, the Chechen wars, and Lana's personal journey.
When: Natalia Estemirova murdered in 2009. Lana made promise at age 18 (3 years after murder). Book published later this month (June 2025). Documentary premieres this weekend (June 8, 2025). Anna Politkovskaya murdered two years before Natalia.
Where: Chechnya (Grozny), Russia, Britain (Lana studied), Portugal (Lana lives).
Why: Lana wrote the book to ensure her mother is remembered and her killers fade. Natalia was driven by a strong sense of justice and inability to ignore suffering. The film aims to explore what drives activists to continue despite threats.
How: Lana wrote a memoir after nearly a decade of work. Mark Franchetti co-produced and co-directed the documentary film. Natalia conducted fearless investigations, even smuggling evidence.