16 May 2004 15:51
Russian ombudsman upset by rights activists` arrest, set to check grounds
[Presenter] The [Russian] authorities are once again accusing human rights organizations of ties with criminal
structures. This time leaders of the Mothers Defending Rights of the Detained and Convicted public organization have
been detained in Krasnodar Territory. The women tried to get access to a prison camp in order to check information about
cruel treatment of the inmates, the Regnum web agency reports. Instead, they were detained themselves.
The Russian ombudsman, Vladimir Lukin, was very much disturbed by the information. In an interview with Ekho Moskvy
he promised to check personally whether the authorities' accusations were well-grounded.
[Lukin] My staff and myself are going to keep the facts under close scrutiny. We shall closely follow the
developments. If the accusations prove to be well-grounded, we shall react in an appropriate manner. If there is no such
proof, I must say that our reaction, and my personal reaction in particular, will be very tough. We must not allow
groundless attacks on human rights' activists, and there shall be no compromises on my side in such matters, I warn
everybody in advance.
[Presenter] To remind you, a high ranking [Russian Justice Ministry's] main penal directorate [GUIN] official
recently made a statement to the effect that Russian human rights organizations are financed by criminal structures. The
name of [the leader of the Human Rights Movement] Lev Ponomarev was mentioned. Ponomarev is going to bring legal action
against the official.
[Ekho Moskvy radio] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
