Heidi Hautala, Chairwoman of Subcommittee on Human Rights in the European Parliament, has appealed to Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and demands taking an urgent action for Ingush opposition leader Magomed Khazbiev’s situation.

Here the full letter of Ms Hautala:

Heidi Hautala
Chairwoman of Subcommittee on Human Rights
Member of European Parliament

06.04.2010

Dear High Commissioner Hammarberg,

I am writing to you concerning an Ingush opposition leader and his family whom I fear are in acute danger for his life.

Russian authorities have issued a federal warrant for the arrest of three brothers of the Ingush opposition leader and independent journalist, Magomed Khazbiev, the Caucasian Uzel reported. The authorities accuse the three brothers, Ali, Makhmud and Berd – of involvement in the beating of Kaloy Akhilgov, official spokesman for the Ingush President, Yunus-bek Yevkurov, on 22 February 2010.

Magomed Khazbiev fears for his life. Khazbiev’s brothers have protected him after an armed assault on the family’s house in August 2008. Two of Khazbiev’s close colleagues have been murdered: In late August 2008, opposition leader Magomed Yevloev was killed by Ingush police on his return to the republic; in October 2009, another Ingush opposition leader, Maksharip Aushev, was gunned down in nearby Kabardino-Balkaria.

Musa Pliyev, lawyer representing the Khazbiev family, said Magomed Khazbiev has always stood for human rights. Mr Pliyev vowed to defend the family from arbitrary justice. On March 2010, a heavy police detachment carried out a search of Khazbiev’s home in Nazran. Earlier, he was questioned in connection with the beating of Kaloy Akhilgov. The authorities claim that Magomed Khazbiev was behind the beating.

I call you to appeal for respect of life and safety of Mr Khazbiev and his family by the Russian authorities. This must be done without delay as I fear his situation is extremely critical.

Yours sincerely,

Heidi Hautala