225 persons took advantage of amnesty in Chechnya

During the two and a half months that the North Caucasus was under the amnesty in relation to members of armed formations, a total of 225 persons surrendered voluntarily in Chechnya.

"Starting from July 17, when Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the National Anti-Terrorist Committee (NATC) and Director of the Federal Security Bureau (FSB), declared amnesty to members of the Illegal Armed Formations (IAFs), and to October 1, a total of 225 militants and their allies surrendered voluntarily to the law enforcement bodies of the Republic. After all the necessary investigations of their activities within bandit groups, all those not involved in heavy crimes will be generally pardoned," told a source in law enforcement agencies of the country.

At the same time, the militia officer admitted that most of the surrendered persons were those who either took part in the "first war" (thus, had been pardoned in late 1990s), or rendered certain services to the militants, like buying foodstuffs and medicines, providing temporary housing and performing other instructions. Nevertheless, the source considered the amnesty a positive step.

"Russian leadership has granted another chance to participants of illegal armed formations to give up their terrorist activities and get back to peaceful life. The amnesty allowed many citizens who were involved for whatever reason in unlawful actions to repent and get another opportunity to start a new life. And many have used it," the Chechen militia officer asserted.