22:00, 1 July 2009

Mutsolgov: more than 170 persons kidnapped since 2002 in Ingushetia

In 2009, five persons have been kidnapped in Ingushetia. And in total since 2002, over 170 persons were kidnapped in this republic, as reported by Magomed Mutsolgov, a member of the expert council on human rights in Russia and leader of the human rights organization named "Mashr".

According to Mr Mutsolgov, one of those kidnapped in Ingushetia from the start of this year was found murdered in the Chechen Republic. One person was released after kidnapping, and three are still missing without any traces.

He has added that there are fewer kidnappings as compared with 2004-2005. "However, we have more murders now," he has explained. "But imagine: they kidnap ten persons per year, that is, almost one person every month. Is it many or few? Certainly it's quite a lot. If we look into the lists - not so many, but if we look at each person's destiny - it's quite a lot."

Author: Alexander Baklanov

Source: CK correspondent