Soltaev Criticizes UN Report on Persecution of Chechen Diaspora

Mansur Soltaev, the Commissioner for Human Rights in Chechnya, has criticized the report by Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia. The document focuses on the persecution of critics of the Russian leadership abroad and includes a specific section on the actions taken by Chechen authorities against the diaspora.

Soltaev stated that the report's author is attempting to "whitewash terrorists and other types of criminals wanted for their bloody atrocities." He did not name the individuals he categorized in this way.

In the section dedicated to Chechnya, Katzarova writes about the surveillance of diaspora members and the infiltration of agents, as well as pressure exerted on their relatives remaining in Russia. According to the report, measures employed include threats, property confiscation, threats of mobilization for men, and criminal prosecution. In some instances, the document notes, relatives were subjected to abduction and torture.

The Special Rapporteur cites several specific cases. The document mentions Mansur Movlaev, who was detained in Kazakhstan at Russia's request, as well as critics of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov—Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, Umar Israilov, Imran Aliev, and Mamikhan Umarov—who were killed in attacks. The attack on Tumso Abdurakhmanov is also discussed separately.

Soltaev has previously stated that women in the North Caucasus enjoy special protection and hold a high status in society. The ombudsman also regularly reports on the observance of the rights and freedoms of Chechnya's residents. At the same time, human rights defenders have repeatedly reported abductions and torture in the republic, the existence of secret detention sites, the forced deployment of regional residents to the war against Ukraine, and so-called "honor killings."

In March 2023, Mansur Soltaev presented Ramzan Kadyrov with the "Honored Human Rights Defender of the Chechen Republic" medal. Yet, Kadyrov has repeatedly been accused of human rights violations both within the region and beyond. Human rights organizations have held the head of Chechnya responsible for the abductions and killings of critics.

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