Chechens abducted not in Chechnya only

In the last few days, more Chechens have been abducted: both inside and outside of the republic.

On the evening of 7 July, a Chechen refugee called Hasein Movlaev returned to his temporary accommodation in the capital of the neighbouring republic, Ingushetia. According to him, unknown state officials had detained him on the evening of 5 July, and taken him to Chechnya. Two other refugees, Taisa Dadaeva and Ali Astamirov, are also reported to have disappeared. Their whereabouts remain unknown. According to the council of Chechen non-governmental organisations, Movlaev does not know who arrested him, where he was held, or why he was released. In the village of Dyshni-Vedeno, the local teacher, Taisa Dadaeva, was taken away by masked men in camouflaged uniforms on 4 July. Her relatives have unsuccessfully tried to find out where she is being held. On the same day, unknown armed men abducted Ali Astamirov, the correspondent of the news organisation, France-Press. Relatives of the journalist have appealed to the various state bodies in both Ingushetia and Chechnya. Some rumours suggest he is in Chechnya. Human rights activists fear his life is in grave danger.

[10.07.2003 13:25] Prima News Agency