Threats against advocate Solomina highlight trend of persecution of victims of domestic violence

When commenting on the threats faced by advocate Tatiana Solomina, human rights defenders have noted that those who try to help victims of domestic violence in the republics of Northern Caucasus often find themselves at risk, as they begin to receive threats from family members of a victim they defended.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Tatiana Solomina and her son began to receive threats after she provided legal assistance to a Chechen resident who had fled domestic violence.

Death threats from a mother’s side are not the first case in Northern Caucasus, notes Alexandra Miroshnikova, the press secretary of the “SK SOS Crisis Group”*.

Death threats from a mother’s, not a father’s side, are not a unique case, emphasizes Aida Mirmaksumova, the head of the “Fathers and Daughters” project. “Earlier, women have been participants in ‘honour killings’ as well. It is clear they do that for the reason that they themselves are under pressure of the patriarchy ... but quite often you may discover cases when mothers threaten their children because they are afraid for their children and for themselves,” noted Aida Mirmaksumova.

Advocates and human rights defenders who provide assistance to victims of violence from among residents of Chechnya are at risk, states advocate Galina Tarasova.

“Protection of human rights in Chechnya is often associated with illegal actions against advocates, human rights defenders, and journalists, ranging from threats and insults to physical harm, up to murder,” said the advocate.

An advocate who helps victims of violence may not be punished for that, emphasizes Galina Tarasova.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.