Protest action in Grozny

Local residents have been holding a protest action in the centre of Grozny for several days. Fifty to 100 people take part in public meetings day by day. The people demand that authorities should pay them compensations for their lost homes and property intending to go on hunger strike unless this issue is settled soon.

They say they have waited for three years already.

The main reason for the delay in paying compensations is that there is no money in the republic, the administrative staff for the republican president and government told Caucasian Knot.

Officials say money for compensations are allocated by the federal centre. As soon as it is transferred, compensations will start to be paid, according to them.

Compensations for homes (300,000 roubles) and property (50,000 roubles) lost in action in the republic began to be paid in 2003. Local authorities decided to suspend their payment several months ago in connection with numerous facts of violations and abuse on the part of officials.

Local residents say they have had to pay people involved in paperwork and payment of compensations up to 50% of the amount due to them in order to receive their compensations provided by the law.

• Unauthorised public meeting held in Grozny