Militiamen are accused of tortures in Kabardino-Balkaria

The Office of Public Prosecutor of Kabardino-Balkaria has completed investigation into the criminal case in relation to employees of the Elborus District Interior Department ("ROVD") suspected of beating teenagers.

On August 28, 2006, minors Yusup Nakani and Ravil Nuraliev, residents of the settlement of Neutrino of the Elborus District, were coming home from Nalchik. In the city of Tyrnauz, militiamen stopped them and invited to the militia station, where the teenagers were beaten and tortured, and then released with apologies.

On September 4, 2006, Yusup Nakani's mother filed an application to the Office of Public Prosecutor of the Elborus District of Kabardino-Balkaria concerning his son's beating. On October 21, 2006, a criminal case was initiated against M. Mashezov and M. Baichekuev.

Mr. Atly Teppev, head of the Elborus "ROVD" of Kabardino-Balkaria, has stated to the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot" that the accusations against the two employees of his Department "have not been proved" and that "the teenagers are slandering" the militiamen. He also told that the boys had committed a theft and were brought to criminal responsibility. Then, Alty Teppev evaded any further comments referring to a service secret.