Human rights activists demand from Prosecutor General's to close the case "Kadyrov vs. Orlov"

A group of international and Russian human rights organizations called for Prosecutor General's of Russia to exculpate Head of "Memorial" Human Rights Center Oleg Orlov accused of slander on Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov.

"The protracted legal procedure not only takes valuable time and resources of "Memorial" Human Rights Center but also distracts attention from Natalia Estemirova's murder which still remains unpunished. Oleg Orlov's statement did not go beyond the scope of the right of freedom of expressing opinions", the human rights activists' statement published on the web-site of "Amnesty International" runs.

It is emphasized in the statement that "the authorities should not use the legal regulations on slander in order to screen themselves from anyone's sincere opinion or lawful criticism. This accusation should not have been brought from the very beginning. Now it is necessary to withdraw in once and forever".

"The Russian authorities should concentrate their efforts on protection the human rights activists from threats and intimidation instead of starting criminal procedure against the aggrieved. On the eve of International Human Rights Day (December, 10) we would like to remind the Russian authorities that within the framework of international law in the sphere of human rights they assumed a commitment to protect persons who on legal grounds strive for strengthening and protection of human rights", the activists emphasize.

The statement was signed by: Nicola Duckworth, Director of regional program of Amnesty International for Europe and Central Asia, Agnes Kallamard, Executive Director of "Article 19", Yury Jibladze, President of Center of Development of Democracy and Human Rights, Robert Hard, Executive Director of "Civil Rights Defenders", FIDH, Mary Lolore, Director of "Front Line Defenders", Aage Borchgrebink, Director of Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and Natalia Taubina, Head of "Public Verdict" Foundation.