European Court condemns Russia for two disappearances in Chechnya

Today, the European Court on Human Rights (ECtHR) has made a decision obliging Russia to pay compensation of 90,000 euros to relatives of two residents of the Chechen Republic, who disappeared in 2002 and 2003.

The Court has considered the disappearance cases of Ahmed Rezvanov and Ramzan Babushev. The former was kidnapped seven years ago from his house in Urus-Martan by armed persons in camouflage, having confiscated also his video equipment and personal belongings. One year later a similar incident happened with Ramzan Babushev in Makhkety village.

Relatives of the kidnapped persons addressed Russian courts back in early 2003, but the investigation was repeatedly suspended. The kidnappers are still unknown. Finally, the claimants decided to address the Strasbourg Court.

In the course of investigation, Russian authorities said that Babushev and Rezvanov were kidnapped by "unidentified armed persons." The Court, however, having studied the materials of the cases, has ruled that the above residents of Chechnya had been taken away by Russian power agents during their operation of ensuring safety; and that the victims can be regarded perished, as reported by the "Echo Moskvy" Radio.

The Radio Liberty adds that according to the decision, Russian authorities are responsible for breaching a number of the victims' fundamental rights, including the right to live, freedom and personal immunity.