Union of Afghan War Veterans supports Makhachkala picketers

Authorities are still ignoring the picket of Afghan War veterans held in Makhachkala; however, their protest action was supported by the leadership of the Russian Union of Afghan War Veterans. The widow of a veteran, who had also faced authorities' indifference, has addressed the Makhachkala protesters.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 17-25, several dozens of Dagestani veterans of the Afghan War held a hunger strike in Makhachkala, demanding from the authorities to provide them with due housing. After the persuasions of the Muftiate, they stopped the hunger strike, but stayed in the park, stating that they wouldn't disperse until received by the head of Dagestan, Vladimir Vasiliev. The protesters said that the previous republic's leadership, under the pressure of protests, had taken on the solution of their problems.

For the 17th day already, the round-the-clock picket has remained un-reacted by local authorities, the veterans have stated.

Other people, also unsuccessfully trying to defend their rights, began turning to the protesters, said Gasaini Gasainiev, one of the activists.

"The widow of an Afghan War veteran from the Khunzakh District has come to us. Three months ago, her disabled husband died; however, district authorities refuse to help her," said Gasainiev.

Veterans face problems in obtaining housing in many regions of Russia, said Valery Voschevoz, a deputy head of the Russian Union of Afghan War Veterans for the Far-Eastern Federal District.