Lord Judd: I am highly anxious with safety issues in Chechnya

The Chechen Republic sees the climate of fear and lacks any criticism of the authorities. This was stated today at the press conference by Joan Svinson and Lord Frank Judd, members of the Group on Human Rights of the UK Parliament, who visited Checnya.

"Most probably, the 22 NGOs, which we met, are doing good work, but the question arises how they are perceived by the authorities, and how the latter understand the meaning of the expression 'nongovernmental organizations'. Do the authorities understand that they should not necessarily shelter NGOs, include them into boards and working groups, force them to work under direction of the Ombudsman, and ask them to seek compromise with their principles? They shouldn't do it," Ms Svinson made her comments on the visit outcomes to the "Caucasian Knot".

According to her story, it is obvious that "climate of fear reigns in Chechnya." "We didn't hear any criticism of the authorities - even during a meeting with 700 students. All over the world at such a meeting students would start criticizing," the member of the British delegation has noted.

"During our meeting with 22 NGOs we understood that the work of the "Memorial" and HRW (Human Rights Watch, - comment of the "Caucasian Knot") is very important," Lord Judd has emphasized and added that "he would like very much to speak directly with President of Chechnya."

"It is very sad that Ramzan Kadyrov failed to find such an opportunity," Lord Judd regretfully noted.

At the same time, the head of the British delegation noted positive changes in Chechnya: "We can say that the city Grozny makes a great impression - new buildings and a tremendous mosque."

However, behind the external well-being, in Lord Judd's opinion, the issue of safety is still topical. "In particular, I'm extremely concerned with safety issues and the situation with the Society 'Memorial'. Nukhazhiev (Nurdi Nukhazhiev - Ombudsman in Chechnya, - comment of the "Caucasian Knot") has told that the 'Memorial' had benefited from Natasha's death (Chechen human rights advocate Natalia Estemirova, shot dead last July, - comment of the "Caucasian Knot")," said Frank Judd.