Murder of young man in Chechnya recognized as manslaughter

In Chechnya, investigation goes on of the circumstances of the murder of Askhab Zakriev, 17, who died, as reported, for the guilt of power agents. A criminal case on the fact of the incident was initiated under Article "Causing death by imprudence (manslaughter)".

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt about it from an employee of the law enforcement bodies of the republic. Moreover, inspectors also doubt any involvement of the "Vostok" (East) special-purpose GRU battalion in the death of the young man.

"On the fact of death on August 31 of Askhab Zakriev, a resident of Novy Benoy village, Gudermes District, the Gudermes Interdistrict Investigatory Department of the Investigatory Committee at the Prosecutor's Office of Russia for Chechnya has opened a criminal case under part 1, Article 109 ("Causing death by imprudence (manslaughter)"), of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. So far, there are no particular suspects in this case," the source said.

"We can't state for sure any involvement of 'Vostok' battalion fighters in Zakriev's death," he asserts. "The fact is that near the base of the battalion, there is also a disposition of the united militia regiment from Bashkiria. Same as the militaries of the 'Vostok' battalion, Bashkir OMON fighters were shooting in the air in honour of the start of Ramadan, sacred month for Moslems. It is established that shooting from a firearms was heard also from some private houses in the settlement, therefore, we can't unequivocally blame 'Vostok' soldiers of Zakriev's death."