News

The Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) has overturned the decision of its employee who refused to provide the case materials on the disappearance of Movsar Umarov. This led to the Supreme Court (SC) of Chechnya stopping the consideration of the complaint of Umarov's mother.

Valery Bailo, a Jehovah's Witness* of 67, has died at the Novorossiysk SIZO (pre-trial prison). His relatives assert that he complained about his health, but no medical care was provided to him.

In Tbilisi, the activists seeking Georgia’s return to the path of European integration have been holding protest actions for the 115th day in a row. They have expressed their support for the US bill on sanctions against the Georgian leaders.

A student named Anna Tsomartova, who went missing in Kaspiysk, has been placed on the international wanted list after an examination found that she looked similar to a young woman spotted in Dubai.

The Vanadzor policemen, whom Tigran Ulubabyan, a refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh, has accused of beating and torturing him, have declared their innocence. Roman Yeritsyan, an advocate, has noted that much evidence was hidden or destroyed.

Overall, 486 people were detained under administrative articles for taking part in Georgian protests; and a total of 1084 people were subjected to administrative prosecution.

The personal data of Martin Kochesoko*, an activist from Kabardino-Balkaria, who lives abroad, have appeared in the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). The article under which the activist has been declared wanted is not indicated, the Kabardino-Balkarian Human Rights Centre (HRC) reports.

Lena Patyaeva, a friend of Seda Suleimanova, held a solo picket in Grozny. In her hands, the activist was holding a poster saying: “Where is Seda?”

The transfer of Khamzat Bakhaev, one of the figurants in the Boris Nemtsov’s murder case, means that his custody conditions will noticeably improve. Nemtsov's defence does not oppose Bakhaev's transfer, since he is the only convict, whose guilt was not proven beyond doubt.

Chechen law enforcers have detained Larisa Zakrailova, a local resident, for providing occult services. Adam Elzhurkaev, a doctor at the Centre for Islamic Medicine, has scolded her on the air of the “Grozny” Chechen State TV and Radio Company (ChSTRC), after which the woman "repented."

In Novosibirsk, Elena Tardasova-Yun held a solo picket with the demand to find out the fate of Seda Suleimanova, who was taken away by her relatives to Chechnya.

Law enforcers have forced a 19-year-old resident of Nazran, suspected of justifying terrorism, to apologize on camera. The young man repented of posting a video and comments, expressing regret that this could lead to problems for his family.

Lawyers and a human rights defender have criticized the interpretation of the mention of Alexei Navalny as grounds for criminal prosecution. They treat it as an intimidation instrument, since the name and image of the opposition leader are not a manifestation of extremism.

At the first hearing in the case on disorganization of the operation of the penal colony, Zarema Musaeva refused to admit guilt. The Shali City Court extended her arrest for six months.

The people, who intended to organize a gathering in the village of Chokh with the demand to cancel the decision to transfer pasture lands for urban development, faced pressure from law enforcers. The activists were not allowed to hold a gathering.

The parents of athlete Anna Tsomartova, who went missing in Kaspiysk, have been dismissed from their jobs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Among the reasons for their dismissal, sources mention the parents’ criticism of the investigative bodies and their unwillingness to enter into conflict with the FSB.

An underage pupil of a Stavropol school has become a defendant in a criminal case of vandalism after being detained on the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death.

Yerevan protesters have blocked traffic in front of the building of the Investigating Committee (IC), demanding its fair reaction to the statement about the torture of Tigran Ulubabyan, a Karabakh refugee, at a police station.

There have been no mass complaints to human rights defenders from the colony in Chechnya, whose prisoners complained about the staff’s actions, and their appeal to Ramzan Kadyrov may result in additional punishments.

The court has refused to satisfy the appeal complaint lodged by Vadim Kharchenko*, a blogger from the city of Gelendjik, against his arrest under the slander case against an advocate. Vodim’s parents have stated that publications about their son's sentence violate his rights.