Amnesty International Press Release on Zakayev's
case in GB
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE
News Flash
AI Index: EUR 46/069/2002
(Public)
News Service No: 226
6 December 2002
UK/Russian Federation: Chechen presidential envoy arrested on arrival
to the UK after having been released in Denmark
Amnesty International is urging the UK authorities not to extradite Akhmed
Zakayev to the Russian Federation as he may be tortured or ill-treated upon
return to Russia."Given the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment by
the Russian authorities, there are good reasons to fear for Akhmed Zakayev's
physical safety if he is sent back there," the organization said. Moreover,
in light of the inadequacies of the Russian criminal justice system, Amnesty
International is concerned that Akhmed Zakayev may not be given a fair trial
in the Russian Federation. Akhmed Zakayev, an envoy of the Chechen President,
was arrested on his arrival to the UK from Copenhagen on 5 December 2002
and was later released on bail. He is due to appear before Bow Street Magistrates'
Court, London on 11 December 2002.
Earlier this week Amnesty International welcomed the decision of Denmark's
Justice Ministry to release Akhmed Zakayev, after his extradition was requested
by the Russian authorities.
For further information contact the Russia Press Officer
Lydia Aroyo
on +44 20 7413 5599 or +44 7798 555 629, e-mail: laroyo@amnesty.org;
or the Russia Researcher Kim Wiesener on +44 20 7413 5618.
Visit the Amnesty International Russia Campaign website:
www.amnesty.org/russia
Public Document
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in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
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