Kidnapped resident of Dagestan found in custody in Shali ROVD in Chechnya

Lawyer Ruslan Datsaev from the Dagestan city of Khasavyurt managed to meet Zakhar Labazangadjiev, a resident of settlement Novaya Tsoloda, Akhvakh District of Dagestan, who was kidnapped on March 31 by unknown armed persons from his own house. The meeting took place at the temporary custody facility (the so-called "ISO") of the Shali ROVD in Chechnya. The "Caucasian Knot" was told today about it by Mr Datsaev.

"Now, the health condition of my client is satisfactory, although after detention he was strongly beaten. Labazangadjiev didn't address doctors, and there's no official registration of his beating. he was presented a 'standard' accusation for such cases - part 1, Article 222, ("Illegal purchase, transfer, sale, keeping, transportation or bearing of firearms, main parts thereof, ammunition, explosive substances or devices") of the Russian Criminal Code," said the lawyer.

He said that there were no obstacles to meeting his client.

Shakhadnabi Aliev, Zakhar's father-in-law, said that the detention was committed early in the morning. "Somewhat at 4 in the morning Labazangadjiev, his wife and three small children were awakened by strong knock at the door. When they opened it, armed persons in masks and without them rushed into the room. Some of them were dressed as law enforcers, others - like civilians. They spoke Russian, Chechen and Avar. One of them said, without presenting himself, that Labazangadjiev would be taken to the Khasavyurt ROVD and asked a couple of questions. His wife was told that he would be back by lunch. The 'visitors' behaved rudely and aggressively. They took away an expensive telephone, which was never returned," said Mr Aliev.

He has added that Zakhar's relatives went to Khasavyurt right after the detention, but they were told at the on duty unit of the ROVD that nobody had been brought to them. "Every day someone disappears in Dagestan; then, such people are found murdered; and power agents announce them to be militants or their helpers. Therefore, it is necessary to act quickly. We immediately called the head of the administration of the Akhvakh District, explained him the problem and promised to hold a number of protest actions, including blocking the federal highway," said Shakhadnabi Aliev.

According to his story, on that very day the district head contacted the administration of the President of Dagestan. "He was received by President of Dagestan Magomedsalam Magomedov and other high-ranking officials; they at once telephoned Chechen leaders; and only then we learnt that my daughter's husband was kept at the Shali ROVD," he said.

He also stated that Labazangadjiev had no attitude to the armed underground: "We were told that he had allegedly kept some weapon at home, and then in Khasavyurt gave it to some Chechen. It has nothing to do with reality."

Ruslan Datsaev, Labazangadjiev's advocate agreed with him.

He was also indignant that Chechen militiamen were allowed to detain Dagestan residents right in their houses.

The on duty unit of the Shali ROVD refused to comment, while the administration of the President of Dagestan answered that the incident was under the control of Makhachkala (the capital of Dagestan).