Brothers abducted in Chechnya

Officers of Russian law enforcement / security agencies seized and brought away brothers Shamil and Bilal Usparov in Kurchaloi on 9 January 2006, according to information provided by local residents. The military were driving several cars, according to the source, the Council of Nongovernmental Organisations reports.

The attackers did not explain the reasons for their action. Nor did they tell the brothers' relatives why and where they were taking Shamil and Bilal. The relatives say that the brothers had had nothing to do with military action or anything criminal in Chechnya. The whereabouts and further destiny of the brothers Usparov remain unknown.

Abu Yakh'yayev, 16, resident in Avtury, Shali district, disappeared under unclear circumstances on 26 December 2005, according to the same source's message received by Caucasian Knot. Villagers are convinced that the young man became the subject of abduction. In the same village, a 17-year-old local resident (his surname is not given) left home the day before and has since been missing. The young men's relatives have tried to establish their whereabouts and further destiny, but their attempts have not been a success.

• Police abuse may be serving as cover
• Disappearing in Chechnya