22:35, 9 December 2006

International Helsinki Federation requests to investigate detention circumstances of amnestied persons in Ingushetia

The International Helsinki Federation (IHF) is concerned with illegal detainment and initiation of a criminal case against Mokhdan Elgakaev and Myukhdi Aslambekov, residents of Ingushetia who were acquitted from criminal responsibility. The concern is expressed in the IHF's letter received by the editorial board of the "Caucasian Knot."

According to Mr. Elgakaev's relatives, he is tortured at the Vladikavkaz Pre-Trial Detention Facility ("SIZO") with the aim to force him confess of the crimes he never committed.

At the beginning of the second Chechen campaign, Elgakaev and Aslambekov, and some of their relatives, fought on the side of the militants, but were not involved in any heavy crimes. On July 27, 2006, Elgakaev, Aslambekov and thirteen their relatives surrendered to the authorities in Chechnya. For 10 days those surrendered were scrutinized by militia, and then an amnesty decision was made.