Continued Harassment of Human Rights Defenders in Chechnya, July 04

Front Line is seriously concerned at the ongoing harassment of members of the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship.

According to the information received, on 12 July 2004 heavily armed police and security forces wearing masks and camouflage raided the office of the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship in Ingushetia. They reportedly searched the office without presenting a search warrant or any form of identification. It is reported that during the search they confiscated office equipment, including a number of files containing testimonies of victims of human rights violations against civilians by Russian Federal forces in Chechnya and the names of the alleged perpetrators. They also claimed to have found two small plastic bags of powder and explosives in one of the rooms, following which they arrested a member of the Society, Khamzat Kuchiev, on suspicion of involvement in terrorism. He was reportedly released two hours later. It is reported that during the raid the police also verbally abused the other members of the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship who were present including its Director, Imran Ezhiev. The police reportedly stated that they would “make sure to find something criminal against him.”

Mr Ezhiev and other members of the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship visited Dublin in April 2004 on an invitation from Front Line. During their visit they also they met with a representative of the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs.

Front Line has called on the authorities of the Russian Federation to open an independent investigation into the raid on the offices of the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship and to take immediate steps to ensure the protection of its members.

This page was updated on 28th September, 2004