Chechen human rights activists disapprove possible release of Budanov

Chechen human rights activists and public figures think that colonel Budanov sentenced for murdering Elza Kunghaeva, a 17-year-old Chechen girl, should not be released before term.

"The information on the possible early release of colonel Budaev from prison is extremely negatively met by all Chechen residents. In case such a decision is taken, this will mean an open abuse of justice. The criminal who committed a premeditated murder of a defenceless girl must be held in prison, rather than enjoy freedom," is the opinion of the employee of a human rights organization.

"In cases which are similar to Budanov's case, we usually face a double standard policy," says Murad Nashkhoev, Chechen historian and journalist. "Russian justice usually makes everything possible to avoid punishment of Russian servicemen who are guilty of crimes against civilians in the Chechen Republic. The case of captain Ulman accused of murdering six Chechens, including the mother of many children, is a vivid example. The jury court acquitted him twice. I am not sure whether judges consider Chechens as "second rate" people or they approve the actions of their servicemen who kill innocent people."

In March 2000, colonel Yuri Budanov, commander of 160-th tank regiment under Russian Ministry of Defence, and a group of his subordinates kidnapped and murdered Elza Kunghaeva, 17-year-old resident of the Tanghi-Chu village. There was evidence that, before her death, the girl had been raped, however later, the investigation dropped the charge.

Budanov was sentenced to ten years of prison and, upon the request of General Vladimir Shamanov, his former direct commander who by that time had become governor of Ulianovsk oblast, was transferred to one of the best labour settlements in the Trans-Volga Federal District. According to a number of mass media outlets, Budanov was in charge of the settlement gymnasium. The ex-colonel submitted two appeals for pardon but withdrew both. Now he hopes for release on parole for "model behaviour."