CHECHNYA LINKS LIBRARY

Ingush president's uncle released after half a year in captivity

By Tomas Vrsovsky

NAZRAN, Ingushetia – Uruskhan Zyazikov, who was abducted in March this year, has been set free in the Ingush village of Barsuki, Prague Watchdog has learned from a local OMON officer. Uruskhan Zyazikov is the uncle of Ingushetia's current president, Murat Zyazikov.  

At this point it is not yet known whether the release took place as a result of negotiations, payment of ransom, or a special operation. The release coincided with the period leading up to the holiday which marks the end of Ramadan.

In addition to being the president's uncle, Uruskhan Zyazikov is also the father of Ruslanbek (Rostambek) Zyazikov, who is head of Ingushetia's presidential security. Uruskhan Zyazikov was abducted on March 23 2007 in his native village of Barsuki.

Despite President Zyazikov’s low popularity among the population, the kidnapping of an elderly member of his family was universally condemned throughout the republic. The news of his freeing has been greeted with relief.

(Translation by DM)

(D/T)