Dagestani Prosecutor's Office demands data on victims of female genital cutting

The Prosecutor's Office has asked the human rights organization "Legal Initiative" to provide the research materials on victims of female genital cutting (circumcision) in Dagestan, including personal data of victims of this surgery.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that debates around the problem of female circumcision were launched in Dagestan in August after the publication of the study by the "Legal Initiative". Rights defenders have noted that the mutilating surgeries are conducted with the support of the local clergy. According to preliminary estimates, tens of thousands of women, who suffered from such surgeries, now live in the republic.

On December 13, the Prosecutor's Office of Dagestan asked the "Legal Initiative" to provide the materials this research, the "RBC" reports.

According to Ksenia Babich, the press secretary of the "Legal Initiative", so far, her organization is unable to assess the legality and ethicality of the prosecutors' request.

In its turn, the Prosecutor's Office has noted that it has the right to access any information relevant for prosecutor's supervision, the "Mediazona" reports.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.