Relatives of journalist kept in Krasnodar SIZO fear for his life

The defence and relatives of Gitinmagomed Gadjimagomedov, a Dagestani journalist, kept in the SIZO (pre-trial prison) as a murder suspect, state that he is tortured and pressed towards pleading guilty; they also fear for his life.

On the other hand, according to the investigation, the statement of Gadjimagomedov, who is suspected of killing the landlady of his rented apartment in Krasnodar, about torture is not justified, because he had himself surrendered to the militia station of the Pre-Kuban District of Krasnodar.

According to investigators, in early July 2010 Gitinmagomed Gadjimagomedov came from Makhachkala to Krasnodar, where he rented a room in an apartment owned by Elena Sh. In early August 2010 a quarrel burst out among them; and the woman was killed. Application to the militia was filed by the friend of owner of the apartment; she reported her disappearance. The body of the casualty has not been found yet.

Gadjimagomedov himself asserts that he had committed no crime; and he was forced to sign his voluntary surrender. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by his brother – Paizula Gadjimagomedov – that as a result of torture Gitinmagomed has a rib fracture and multiple fractures of both foot bones.

The brother also said that on December 31 Gitinmagomed Gadjimagomedov was subjected to medical examination; however, the detainee had no chance to tell the experts about the reasons of his fractures, as the militiaman – one of those who had tortured him – was all the time nearby and "controlled the process". Besides, according to the advocate, Gadjimagomedov was forced to write a statement that he had "jumped from the balcony of the 2nd level and broke both feet and the rib."

The family is sure that Gitinmagomed's further stay in SIZO is unsafe for his health and life. "The bones in the places of broken rib and feet are consolidating in the wrong way; this can lead to disability. He is not rendered any qualified medical care in the SIZO; and recently, on the eve of the court session about extension of his custody, for some reason the plaster bondage was removed, although his feet are still sore, and he practically can't walk," said the brother. "In custody, his life is under a real threat."

As reported by the relatives, the inspector running the case was changed three times; however, no investigatory actions are conducted with the detainee. According to the brother, inspectors do not allow relatives to visit Gitinmagomed; all the communication is supported via the advocate.