August 2nd 2003 · Prague Watchdog

Only few Chechens who disappeared during mop up operations return home

Timur Aliyev, North Caucasus -

Only a small part of those who disappeared during Russian mop up operations have re-joined their families, said participants in a session of the Council for Assisting in Securing Human and Citizens´ Rights and Freedoms on July 30 in Grozny.

As of April 24 this year, the council, which has to assist in searching for those who are missing, forcibly detained or kidnapped by uniformed men, found and returned home only 10 people,  said the council´ s
chairman and Grozny´ s vice-mayor Said Mokhchayev.

The whereabouts of 16 other missing had been identified and criminal charges launched in connection with their disappearance, Mokhchayev added.

The Council pointed out that 181 people have turned to the local administration in Grozny only in connection with disappearances and mop up operations since April 2000.

Mokhchayev said that the period during which the citizens can turn to the administration would be prolonged. The inquiries will be accepted particularly in four district administrations of Grozny.

According to Human Rights Watch, some 60 Chechens are abducted each month.

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