Native of Chechnya complains of beating in Mordovian colony

For more than two weeks, the Prosecutor's Office fails to react to the application about the beating of a native of Chechnya, Ibragim Bakaniev, in a Mordovian colony, his advocate has stated. Rights defenders believe that the colony, where Bakaniev was beaten up, is notable for the general bias against Muslims.

In March 2019, prisoners of the Mordovian colony, natives of Chechnya inclusive, committed mass self-mutilation in protest against the actions of the colony bosses and staff. However, the republic's POC (Public Oversight Commission) found no proofs of illegal actions by the colony staff.

Ibragim Bakaniev, a native of Chechnya, has complained in his video clip posted on the YouTube that he had been beaten up and "insulted because of his nationality." He claims that he was forced to confess to the crime, about which he knows nothing.

He asked "to draw attention to the lawlessness and outrage reigning in the colony."

The residents of Chechnya, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, were alarmed by the story of their fellow countryman.

"There were cases in Russian colonies, when convicted Muslims even committed suicides," Idris said.

According to a law enforcement official, Bakaniev was convicted for assaulting a policeman, robbery, banditry and illegal arms dealing.

The colony, where Bakaniev was beaten up, is known for inmates' complaints about the treatment of natives from Northern Caucasus, said Aset Malsagova, a Chechen human rights defender.

Let us remind you that back in 2015, human rights defenders pointed to the inhumane attitude towards inmates from Chechnya and Ingushetia in Russian colonies.