The United States will keep on reminding Russia that those guilty of murdering human rights activist Natalya Estemirova still must be found as a year passed on after her death, a spokesman for the Department of State said.

Estemirova, who had been investigating kidnappings and disappearances in Chechnya for the Russian human rights group Memorial, was abducted outside her home in Chechen capital of Grozny on July 15, 2009. She was found shot dead in the neighboring North Caucasian republic of Ingushetia later the same day.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said in a statement to RIA Novosti that Estemirova would always be remembered as an activist who dedicated her life to fighting violations of human rights, particularly in Chechnya.

He added that as a year passed on after "her tragic death" those guilty of the murder were still not brought to justice.

In February 2010 investigators said they had identified the suspect of Estemirova's murder, but no arrests had been made.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton urged Russia's authorities on Thursday "to work towards putting an end to the climate of impunity and fear in the North Caucasus."

WASHINGTON, July 16 (RIA Novosti)