The Week in Brief: April 16 - April 22, 2001
Mon, April 16
Akhmad Kadyrov, head of the pro-Moscow administration in Chechnya, signed a decree banning all public gatherings, such as congresses, conferences, demonstrations, and marches on the territory of Chechnya.
Tue, April 17
Russian authorities stopped issuing foreign passports to Chechen residents.
Wed, April 18
A symbolic ceremony of returning Grozny its status of a capital was held in the city as the Moscow-appointed Chechen government convened for the first, three-hour meeting in Grozny.
The Czech government decided to grant a temporary protection status to Chechen refugees residing in the Czech Republic, most of whom do not comply with the Geneva convention enabling them to get asylum in the country.
Thu, April 19
Monetary allowance of servicemen and policemen in Chechnya will be increased, Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov said.
Fri, April 20
The Geneva-based UN Commission for Human Rights passed a resolution condemning Russia's use in Chechnya of disproportionate and indiscriminate force, attacks against civilians, breaches of international law, summary executions and "forced disappearances". The resolution also accuses Chechen fighters of torture, taking hostages and the indiscriminate use of land mines.
A prominent Russian human rights activist, Viktor Popkov, was seriously wounded by unidentified gunmen near Alkan-Kala, southwest of Grozny.
Sat, April 21
Russia rejected the resolution passed on Friday by the UN Commission for Human Rights, calling it "biased" and accusing the United States of blocking a compromise text.
The first passenger train between Chechnya and Moscow after a two-year break pulled out of Gudermes.
Sun, April 22
A Russian reconnaissance unit found a mass grave near a rough mountain road in southern Chechnya containing bodies of 32 people, said a spokesman for Kremlin aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky.
An armed commando stormed into the Swissotel hotel in Istanbul taking a number of hostages in a protest against Russia's military action in Chechnya.
Compiled by Prague Watchdog
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