Rights defenders treat publicity as efficient way to help abductees in Chechnya

The residents of Chechnya, whose relatives are being held by law enforcers, refrain from turning to human rights defenders, fearing that this will aggravate the situation of their relatives and the family itself; they try to resolve the problem through behind-the-scenes negotiations. However, only publicity and drawing media's attention to detainees' fate can often help, human rights defenders believe in their comments on the charges against Alkhan-Kala villagers of their links with militants.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 18, 2023, the "Memorial" Human Rights Defence Centre reported that after the check, the information about the kidnapping of at least 25 residents of the village of Alkhan-Kala by Chechen law enforcers was confirmed. On April 24, human rights defenders reported that a group of people whose whereabouts were unknown after kidnapping by law enforcers in January were kept at one of Chechen detention centres on charges of links with militants.

Svetlana Gannushkina*, the head of the "Civic Assistance" Committee*, believes that relatives' refusal to interact with human rights defenders after their relatives were kidnapped only worsens their situation. According to her version, relatives are usually afraid of torture and bullying and try to negotiate a lighter accusation.

"In my practice, there were many cases with different outcomes, but it didn't help more than it helped. There was a case when a Chechen was detained, and drugs were planted on him. Relatives turned to us; our advocate achieved his release from custody, but the case has not yet been closed. Then, relatives decided to hire another advocate who promised to settle the problem in a different way. They paid USD 7000 to the judge through the advocate, but the suspect was eventually sentenced to 7 years in prison," Ms Gannushkina* gave the details.

She has added that it is difficult for human rights defenders to render assistance when no one wants it.

The relatives' refusal to interact with human rights defenders worsens the situation of those kidnapped by law enforcers, Oyub Titiev, a rights defender, is sure. "Relatives are afraid that they will be tortured; or that repression will spread to other family members ... They don't even try to solve the problem, because it's impossible to find a common language with the law enforcers," Mr Titiev is sure.

Meanwhile, he believes that there is a chance to help the above detained villagers.