21:00, 15 April 2011

The news of threats to human rights activist Inara Gabaraeva came from South Osetia

Inara Gabaraeva at the fire victims' rally in Tskhinvali, April 16, 2011. Photo by the "Caucasian Knot"

Three men in South Osetia who introduced themselves as employees of the Ministry of Defense have threatened to Inara Gabaraeva, local human rights activist and Head of the Committee of Victims of fire. This news came from South Osetia on April, 14, to SMS-service of the "Caucasian Knot".

According to the information available, these three persons came to Gabaraeva's home on April, 14, at about 17 or 18 o'clock.

"They insisted on stopping her activities for they had allegedly received information that Inara was spreading rumours over the republic that the ruling system was going to change soon and they would have a better life with Georgia, - the SMS message runs. - In reply to her demand to introduce themselves they first refused, then one of them called himself Alan Sanakoev and said that they all worked at the Ministry of Defense. Inara recognized another man, Timur Gasseev".

The SMS message runs that Gabaraeva was fearing for her and her family's lives, she had a sick mother and an under age daughter.

Gabaraeva herself has not yet confirmed the information received by SMS-service of the "Caucasian Knot". The "Caucasian Knot" itself has also no comments concerning this information from the Ministry of Defense of South Osetia yet.

Reports from local residents are posted in a special section of the "Caucasian Knot's" forum 24 hours day and night and 7 days a week. One can send a message to phone number 8-903-767-60-60 or fill a form at m.kavkaz-uzel.ru/contact_form.

The Committee of Victims of fire headed by Gabaraeva unites activists from all over South Osetia. They are citizens who remained homeless as a result of the war of 2008 and decided to associate for protection of their legal rights and interests. The Committee's main task is to find dwellings for this category of people.

Head of the Committee Inara Gabaraeva has repeatedly reported infringements which took place during the process of reconstruction of South Osetia. According to her, reconstruction works were selective, superficial and of poor quality.