23:00, 21 December 2009

Statement by spokesman Ian Kelly concerning car explosion in Ingushetia with human rights defender’s relatives

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

December 21, 2009

2009/1307

STATEMENT BY IAN KELLY, SPOKESMAN

Car Explosion in Ingushetia Strikes Relatives of Late Human Rights Defender

The United States is deeply saddened by reports that four family members of late human rights defender Maksharip Aushev were victims of a car explosion in Nazran, Ingushetia. The State Department posthumously honored Mr. Aushev with its Human Rights Defenders Award earlier this month, for his work shining a spotlight on human rights abuses in Russia's North Caucasus. We offer our condolences to Aushev's family and his colleagues who will carry on his courageous advocacy for human rights.

We look to the Russian Government to conduct a prompt and full investigation. We remain concerned about the increasing incidence of violence in the North Caucasus.