International Helsinki Federation urges immediate investigation into abduction of Ruslan Soltakhanov

We call your attention the open letter addressed by Executive Director of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights Aaron Rhodes to Prosecutor of the Republic of North Osetia Aleksandr Bigulov in connection with the abduction of Ruslan Soltakhanov, a driver for journalist Rebecca Santana.

To:

Aleksandr Bigulov
Prosecutor of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania

Copy:

Vladimir Ustinov
Prosecutor General of the RF

Vladimir Lukin
Ombudsman of the RF

Ella Pamfilova
Chair of the Human Rights Commission of the RF

Cc:

OSCE Delegations
Council of Europe
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
National Helsinki Committees

OPEN LETTER

Dear Prosecutor,

I am writing on behalf of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) to express our concern about the detention and disappearance of Ruslan Soltakhanov, who is a resident of Mozdok, North Osetia - Alania.

On 13 February 2004, Mr. Soltakhanov was detained at his home by a group of men dressed in civilian clothes. Although they showed identification to the wife of Mr. Soltakhanov, there was no possibility to record their names and other information. After detaining Soltakhanov the men returned several hours later and confiscated documents, and claimed to have found explosives. Mrs. Soltakhanov denied that any weapons or explosives were ever in the house.

No information has appeared about the fate or whereabouts of Soltakhanov since his abduction. Family members have informed police authorities who claim no knowledge or involvement in the case.

The human rights organizations Moscow Helsinki Group (a member of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights) and Human Rights Center Memorial have identified Soltakhanov as a driver for the journalist Rebecca Santana, special correspondent for Cox Newspapers. They believe his abduction may be connected to her investigations in the armed conflict zone.

Our organization asks you to use every means to investigate this case, to ensure that Mr. Soltakhanov is returned to his family and to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

Thank you for your attention to our concerns.

Yours sincerely,

Aaron Rhodes

Vienna, 26 February 2004

Editors note: See also the article "US journalist's assistant detained in Chechnya".