A GROUP that investigates human rights abuses in Chechnya was honoured at a ceremony in Dublin yesterday.
The Joint Mobile Group of the Russian Federation was commended for its outstanding contribution to the cause of human rights for its investigation of torture and disappearances in the republic.
Consisting of legal and communications experts from different parts of the Russian Federation, members of the group travel to Chechnya whenever there is an incident of human rights abuse, using CCTV cameras to enable them to collect evidence and interview survivors and witnesses for use in subsequent prosecutions.
Founder of the group Igor Kalyapin was presented with the annual Front Line Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk by former president Mary Robinson.
At the ceremony which took place in City Hall, Mrs Robinson described the work of the group as “an inspirational example of how committed individuals, despite all the pressures that are brought to bear on them, can hold the line in defence of justice, truth and the rule of law”.
Of the group’s investigation of political killings and disappearances, believed to be carried out with the complicity of forces loyal to President Ramzan Kadyrov, Mrs Robinson said: “It is the denial of access to justice that enables tyrants to prevail.”
Accepting the award, Mr Kalyapin said: “For many people the war in Chechnya has been consigned to history.
“Sadly for the people of Chechnya the torture and disappearances remain a regular if more targeted occurrence – while those who dare to speak out face threats and attacks from the security forces.”
