Action in memory of Natalia Estemirova banned in Ingushetia

The authorities have prohibited members of a number of NGOs to hold on August 6 a rally in memory of a well-known human rights advocate Natalia Estemirova, who was assassinated on July 15. Moreover, two members of the organizing committee of the action were summoned to the Prosecutor's Office.

As reported to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Taisa Isaeva, leader of the Union of NGOs, on August 6 members of a number of Chechen and Ingush NGOs planned to hold a rally in Nazran.

"This action was planned not only as a rally in memory of Natasha, but also in support of President of Ingushetia Yunus-Bek Evkurov, and as an act of condemnation of the violence and terror reigning in Ingushetia and Chechnya. However, our application on holding the action in Nazran was rejected."

The reason for refusal, as Ms Isaeva said, was "simply ridiculous": "Allegedly, there's a gas main in the place, where we had planned our rally."

According to her story, NGO activists had planned to hold two actions in Estemirova's memory: on August 6 in Nazran and on August 15 in Grozny. She hopes that at least the Chechen authorities will reveal understanding to the intention of human rights defenders and representatives of the public to commemorate their perished colleague.