“The Committee Against Torture” has published a press-release about direct threats from pro-Russian regime’s armed thugs in Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria against their right defenders after the eventful protest in Grozny.

The organization stated that they have worked for 11 years in tough conditions and up until now, they had never been faced with direct threats to their lives and health. However, within one week, everything has changed. Olga Sadovskaya, Supyan, Baskhanov and Magomed Alamov, the top three staff members from “The Committee Against Torture” have received direct threats.

According to the press release, Ali Tagirov, head of the armed Kadyrovites in Grozny and another senior officer from the pro-Russian regime openly threatened the staff of “The Committee Against Torture” during an interrogation immediately after the protest in Grozny, which was held on June 24. High level Kadyrovites expressed their anger at the slogans which indicated the arbitrariness of the pro-Russian forces. They also said, “Act as any other Chechen organizations or get out of the Chechen Republic. Otherwise, the Chechen police will force you; we will not let you work”.

During the week, dozens of slogans like “Sadovskaya, we love you…” and “Sadovskaya protects terrorists!” were written on the fence and walls around the apartment where Olga Sadovskaya lives with her family.

The organization described the purpose of these actions, which were undoubtedly related to their work in human rights, as psychological oppression.

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco