Heidi Hautala, European MP, asks Ingush Ombudsman to meet relatives of abducted persons

On January 25 the European Parliament held a sitting of the Human Rights Commission. The MPs discussed the situation in Northern Caucasus. Heidi Hautala, Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, drew attention to kidnappings and torture of citizens of Ingushetia.

She mentioned the names of Zalina Elkhoroeva, who was kidnapped in the border of Ingushetia and North Ossetia a few weeks ago and not found until now, and Adam Khamkhoev, who was kidnapped in Ingushetia on December 30 and tortured by power agents for several days.

Earlier, human rights activists from Ingushetia Ibragim and Madina Lyanov, who work for the European Parliament, had initiated the discussion of this problem at one of the sittings and addressed Ms Hautala. They believe that her personal appeal to the local Ombudsman will help to learn about the fate of the missing people.

Ms Hautala has reported that she sent a letter to Dzhambulat Ozdoev, Ombudsman in Ingushetia.

"My office has received several reports about disappearances and cases of violence registered in Ingushetia, which cause my deep concern. I learned that the father of the abducted Zalina Elkhoroeva had asked for a meeting with you to discuss the disappearance of his daughter, but you refused to meet him. I hope that you will promptly do this and ensure quick return of Zalina Elkhoroeva home," says the letter.

Ms Hautala stresses that the interference into the situation should be urgent, as Elkhoroeva's health is weakened. She suffers from tuberculosis and needs permanent medical care.

Besides, the letter expresses her concern about the fate of Israil Torshkhoev, who disappeared on November 18.

"I also want to express my concern to you on another case. Adam Khamkhoev returned from his detention, where, apparently, he was tortured. There are fears that, despite his release, there is a risk of further violence applied to him in the future. I ask you to ensure his safety," Ms Hautala writes.

Dzhambulat Ozdoev, Ombudsman in Ingushetia, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he had not yet received Hautala's letter. However, as he said, in order to do everything possible to protect the rights of local residents, to the extent of his authorities, an application of the victims themselves or their relatives to him is quite enough.

The Ombudsman's office has sent all the necessary inquiries, but the version that Elkhoroeva was arrested by power agents and is kept in one of SIZOs (pre-trial detention facilities) in Vladikavkaz was not officially confirmed. Nothing is known about her fate so far.

As to Mr Khamkhoev, Ombudsman Ozdoev said that he had also addressed power structures, but received no answer.