Yesterday night, the famed English musician and song writer Peter Gabriel singed his song “Biko” for Chechen human rights defender Natalya Estemirova who was abducted and killed on July 15, 2009.

Peter Gabriel has paid tribute to the murdered Chechen human rights activist Natalia Estemirova with his songs and words. Gabriel was headlining at the World of Music Arts and Dance (WOMAD)’s three days festival in Charles Park in Wiltshire region of UK on the night July 25, 2009. Peter Gabriel is also co-founded of WOMAN.

Peter Gabriel told the festival crowd, Ms.Estemirova had collaborated with his human rights organisation Witness on two films. Ms.Estemirova had documented hundreds of cases of rights abuse in Chechnya, many allegedly commited pro-Moscow government-backed militia. She was abducted from her home in the Chechen capital, Grozny and her body was found she had been shot in the head. Some people had accused the bloody Kadirov regime of being linked to her murder – an accusation they deny. Natalya’s photo was shown on the giant screen behind the main stage at WOMAD.

He dedicated his song Biko, about the South African anti-apartheid activisit Steve Biko who died in police custody in the 1977, to her.

Gabriel said: “I had no immediate plans to play in the UK. But when Festival Director Chris Smith heard I was looking for a suitable event for WITNESS – the multi award-winning human rights organisation that has worked with over 300 groups in 70 countries worldwide – he generously offered me the Saturday at WOMAD. I’m delighted that my only show in Europe this year will be for a cause so close to my heart.”

Peter Gabriel hopes to raise £100,000 for Witness, which he also co-founded, over the three days of the festival. It helps people to use video and online technology to expose human rights violations in their communities.