AI calls to discuss situation in Northern Caucasus at EU-RF Summit

The international human rights organization Amnesty International (AI) has addressed its appeal to the official Brussels stating that violations of human rights, first of all in Northern Caucasus, and restrictions of the freedom of self-expression should be put on the debate agenda of the forthcoming Summit the European Union-Russian Federation, to open on May 30 in Rostov-on-Don.

As stated by Nicolas Beger, head of the AI's Brussels-based bureau, it is necessary to insist on the careful investigation into violations of human rights in Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan. Until now, the organization asserts, these republics see unjustified arrests, beatings and kidnappings, while activities of NGOs and journalists are still restricted, the Deutsche Welle reports.

Diplomats in Brussels report that the Summit agenda will include the point on the situation in the human rights sphere. EU officials plan to express their concern of the violations. Besides, the EU leaders want to suggest a number of projects aimed towards strengthening of the independent justice, higher efficiency of the fight on corruption and stronger civil society institutions, the AFP reports.