Authorities block publication of Chechen newspaperDear readers, below is our statement and links to articles and other text connected with the "Chechen Society" newspaper, which some North Causasus print works recently refused to print because of pressure exerted on them by the authorities.
Prague Watchdog’s statement on suspension of "The Chechen Society"
(Prague Watchdog) – At the end of July, the printing house Ingushetia in Nazran refused to print The Chechen Society weekly despite a valid contract between the printing house and the newspaper.
This happened after the director of the printing house, Suleiman Kostoyev, received a summons to appear at the Ingush Ministry of Interior. Timur Aliyev, the editor of the newspaper, had earlier received a similar writ. It was “recommended” to Aliyev that he stop distributing The Chechen Society.
The Prague Watchdog considers The Chechen Society to be a worthy and useful news source in the area. The articles published in this newspaper are objective and professional. The Chechen Republic needs independent news media to provide unbiased information about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Chechnya, as well as about ordinary day-to-day events. Chechens need news sources that do not yield to propaganda or pressure, such as The Chechen Society.
The Prague Watchdog maintains that the suspension of the newspaper was a politically motivated decision that harms Chechen society. We support Timur Aliyev, editor of the newspaper and our correspondent, in his efforts to bring a free press to Chechnya through continued publication of the newspaper The Chechen Society.
Chechen editor reports ongoing harassment
August 6, 2004 The Committee to Protect Journalists
The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) and the Moscow Helsinki Group (MHG) Protest the De-facto Closure of the Independent Weekly Chechen Society and the Strong Pressure on Editor Timur Aliev
August 5, 2004 IHF/MHG
A letter by the Russian Writers' Union to Russian Prosecutor General
August 2, 2004 Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations
Publication of Chechen newspaper blocked by authorities
August 1, 2004 Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations
CPJ calls on Putin to end harassment of Chechen newspaper
July 29, 2004 The Committee to Protect Journalists
Back copies of "The Chechen Society".
P.S.: In September, the authorities made it clear that the publication of the newspaper may be resumed, thanks to which on September 13 a new issue of the paper was published. Timur Aliyev believes that the authorities wanted to suspend the publication of the newspaper in the run-up to the Moscow-staged Chechen presidential election, which took place on August 29.
(A,T)
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