Rachel Denber, HRW: Russian authorities shall ensure human rights activists' safety in Chechnya

Russian authorities must do everything possible to ensure safety of human rights activists in Chechnya. This was stated to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Rachel Denber, deputy director of the branch of the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) for Europe and Central Asia.

"Since not only the 'Memorial', but also others, resume their work in Chechnya, it imposes a duty on Russian authorities to make everything possible to ensure safety of human rights activists in this region. Defence of human rights in Chechnya is an extreme must. It is clear why the 'Memorial' had to suspend its activities there in July. The work against roughest violations of human rights in Chechnya and bringing infringers to responsibility is not the mission of the 'Memorial' only - it's our general responsibility," believes Rachel Denber.

According to the human rights defender, the HRW will also continue its full work in Chechnya.

"Certainly, we are concerned of safety of our employees, employees of the 'Memorial' and other human rights activists, but, first of all, we are concerned of safety of local residents, who tell us their stories related to human rights violations. Cases are known, when after telling us about violations, they were subjected to repressions and threats. We should be cautious and take special security measures," Ms Denber was worried.