2009 Year In Photos
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The body of the Russian lawyer Stanislav Markelov lies on the ground after he was shot dead in Moscow on January 19, 2009. He was representing the family of a Chechen girl -- Elza Kungayeva -- and was opposing the early release of
of the Russian officer jailed for her murder. His murder became a symbol of human rights abuses in Chechnya. (ITAR-TASS)
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Barack Obama's hand lies on a bible as he is sworn in as the 44th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2009. (AFP)
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U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, January 20, 2009. (AFP / Saul Loeb)
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Patriarch-elect of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill kisses the golden cross after being elected at the National Orthodox Church Council in Christ the Savior cathedral in Moscow, Russia, 27 January 2009. (epa)