EU criticizes intention of Chechen leader to persecute militants' families

The European External Action Service (EEAS), which is a part of the European Union (EU), has issued a statement calling on the authorities of Chechnya to give a balanced response to the surge of tension in the region and condemned the intention of Ramzan Kadyrov to expel militants' families out of the republic.

The document posted on the website of the EEAS states that the EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims, and that those responsible for grave crimes "must be brought to justice."

"However, despite the grief, the calls the head of Chechnya Kadyrov to make use of collective punishment of militants' families will only exacerbate the tension. The EU expects that Russia will firmly adhere to its international obligations, as well as ensure the safety of rights defenders, especially of those who continue their work in Northern Caucasus," says the statement.

In particular, the document notes that Chechnya must stop threats against Igor Kalyapin and attacks on the Joint Mobile Group (JMG).

Let us remind you that on December 6 and 7 six houses of militants' relatives were burned down; some of these militants were identified by their relatives among those killed in the attack on Grozny, as the "Caucasian Knot" has reported. Later, these data were confirmed by the HRC "Memorial". On December 16, residents of Gudermes reported the destruction in the past two days of two private houses, where militants' relatives lived.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.