Alekseeva: human rights activists' work in Ingushetia is an exploit

Everyday activities in the sphere of defense of human rights and liberties in Ingushetia is an exploit, Liudmila Alekseeva, Chairman of Moscow Helsinki Group (MHG), commented awarding the prize of MHG to Magomed Mutsolgov, leader of Ingush human rights center "MASHR" which was held on December, 5, in the hall of the Museum of Modern History of Russia in Moscow for a reporter of "Caucasian Knot".

"I have been to Ingushetia several times and I can say that the human rights activists there risk their lives every day, their whole work is an exploit", Liudmila Alekseeva declared.

Mutsolgov was acknowledged the prize winner in the nomination "For achievements in developing and managing human rights organizations".

"I think Magomed has done very much during this year and the previous one, - Valery Borshev, member of MHG, told a reporter of "Caucasian Knot". - Mutsolgov is a human rights activist who is able to consolidate human rights resources, start a dialogue with officials and skillfully oppose them, he does not simply declare a protest but he also stands up for his position". The member of MHG emphasized that Mutsolgov's activities "had allowed North Caucasian human rights organizations gain great acknowledgement and influence upon the authorities".

Introducing the Ingush human rights activist to the audience Borshev reminded how "hard, risky and dangerous" the human rights activists' work in the "blazing" region of Northern Caucasus was. "As you remember last year we posthumously awarded the prize to Natalya Estemirova. Not long before that Farid Babayev, leader of the Dagestani "Yabloko", had been killed there", he said.

Mutsolgov himself after the awarding ceremony was laconic in his speech. He thanked the members of MHG for acknowledging him and his colleagues as "part of the Russian human rights community" and added that the activities of the Ingush human rights activists was "not a work but a mode of life" and told the audience about his dream.

"Unfortunately, our dreams are not yet coming true. We would like to become unemployed in case if there were no more violations of human rights. There are so few of us that we know each other and this is one of our weak points. I would like to wish health and success in our work to each of you for one success is one saved life", Mutsolgov said to the audience.

Vadim Karastelev, Head of Novorossiisk Committee of Human Rights, who was awarded the prize of MHG in the nomination "For courage in defense of human rights" in his speech told the story of his becoming human rights activist.

"In 1988 together with a group of young teachers I started collection of signatures for rehabilitation of the victims of Stalin's repressions, my grandfather whom I had never seen among them. After that KGB agents started coming to our homes trying to influence us in one way or other. Then I made my choice: no matter where I am or what I do I would always stand up for human rights", Karastelev said.

Borshev considers that Karastelev has been awarded the prize in this nomination by right. "Unfortunately, the authorities of Krasnodar region treat the citizens just the way they have treated Vadim: he was beaten up and an atmosphere of intimidation was created around him", he explained.

According to Borshev, MHG supports the human rights activists who have no fear of threats from the authorities, including the "executed" ones.

Ten persons have become laureates of the prize which was awarded for the second time. Beside Mutsolgov and Karastelev, Yury Shmidt, Mikhail Khodorkovsy's attorney, Victor Shenderovich, writer and journalist, Zoya Svetova, journalist, Liubov Volkova, President of "Social Partnership" fund, Eugenia Chirikova, leader of the movement in protection of Khimki forest, Sergey Buryanov, Co-chairman of the Institute of Freedom of Conscience and Ella Polyakova, Head of St. Petersburg Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, have also been awarded. Besides, Anatoly Kononov, ex-judge of the Constitutional Court, became laureate of the prize of 2010 but he was unable to be present at the ceremony. Honourable diplomas of MHG in the nomination "For historical contribution into defense of human rights and human rights movement" were granted to Robert Bernstein and Edward Cline but they also could not come to the ceremony.

Awarding the prize of MHG 2010 in the sphere of human rights defense was timed to the 45-th anniversary on Russian human rights community.