Missirov's complaint raises the discrimination issue of Caucasus natives in colonies

Zaur Shokuev, a member of the Public Oversight Commission (POC) of Kabardino-Balkaria, has appealed to Irina Kasyanova, the Ombudsperson of the Omsk Region, after Rustam Missirov, an inmate and a resident of Kabardino-Balkaria, submitted a complaint about violations of his rights.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Rustam's wife, Lola Shomakhova, had complained that her husband's rights were violated in a colony located in the Omsk Region. According to her story, he faced extortions and humiliation; and after his complaints, he was threatened with execution.

According to Lola Shomakhova, in that colony Muslims and natives from Northern Caucasus are experiencing a "particularly unfriendly attitude."

"They don't allow them to do namaz and observe the fasting. Unlike others, they can't withstand humiliations, demand respect for their rights and receive various threats. Not only my husband but other inmates tell exactly the same things to their relatives. When the head of the colony went on vacation, the staff got drunk and began humiliating the prisoners. There's one Tajik there, to whom no one comes at all; they put a collar on him and began walking him out like a dog. My husband often receives threats: 'Now, you'll fall asleep; and we'll strangle you.' The colony staff demands money from prisoners," said Ms Shomakhova.

Irina Kasyanova, the Ombudsperson of the Omsk Region, has promised that her office staff will visit Rustam Missirov.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 19, 2019 at 09:08 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.