Relatives of people accused of preparing a coup in Karachai-Cherkes apply to human rights activists for help

For several years now Moslems in Karachai-Cherkess have been persecuted only because they regular pray, refrain from smoking or drinking, and their wives wear hijabs, runs the open letter of the relatives of persons accused of an attempt of a violent coup and preparation of terrorist acts on the republic's territory, who are on trial now in Cherkessk.

The authors of the letter addressed to the UN Commission on Human Rights, the RF Public Chamber, human rights organizations and the editorial office of the "Caucasian Knot" claim that, under the situation existing in the republic, a person who is ardent in his religious duties is considered as a threat to the community.

The relatives of 29 persons accused of an attempt to violent seizure of power, preparation of terrorist acts and an attempt on the lives of law enforcement officers note that the investigation of the case was conducted with "appalling violations of the Russian legislation".

"Every ingenious method of obtaining evidence has been used, such as beating, physical and moral humiliation, torture by electric shocks (applied to the most sensitive spots, such as genitals, etc.). Unfortunately, in most cases it was impossible to register the bodily harm inflicted on our relatives", runs the letter.

The authors of the letter are sure that the cases against their relatives have been framed and want to "stop the arbitrariness of the law enforcement agencies".