CHECHNYA LINKS LIBRARY

Chechen human rights lawyer Makhmut Magomadov still missing

Vienna, 1 February 2004. Makhmut Magomadov after 20 January 2005 was reported missing. There has been no information about his fate, despite recent inaccurate assertions by the law-enforcement about his release.

The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights has raised this issue again to the Prosecutor of the Chechen Republic, Vladimir Kravchenko, in the attached letter.

For further information:
International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights
In Vienna: Aaron Rhodes, IHF Executive Director, +43-1-408 88 22 or +43-676-635 66 12;
Henriette Schroeder, IHF Press Officer, +43-676-725 48 29,
in Moscow: Tanya Lokshina, +7-916-624 1906
Chechen Committee for National Salvation, Ruslan Badalov, Chair, +7-873-22 24 00
All-Russia Movement "For Human Rights", Lev Ponomarev, Executive Director, +7-095-291 62 33

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I am writing once again on behalf of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) concerning the fate of human rights lawyer Makhmut Magomadov.

As you know, we have addressed you on this issue on 21 January 2005. I am attaching a copy of that letter.

To date, no reliable information has been available about this case, despite the attention of the international community.

Last week, a police official told the family that Magomadov had been released. But this was immediately disclaimed by the prosecutor's office. His fate remains unknown.

The longer this situation persists, the more likely it is that he is suffering torture or has in fact been murdered.

We are appealing to you, to locate Magomadov and secure his release without further delay. We thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Aaron Rhodes (Executive Director)

Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

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