Forced homecoming is new method of Chechen "morale police"

Forcing the guilty natives of Chechnya to return from Moscow to their homeland is a new practice; however, the punishment for an offense must comply with the Russian legislation and the rule of law, the rights defenders interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Chechen law enforcers found and forced 47 natives of the republic to return to Chechnya. Their relatives took responsibility for their behaviour, and declared on March 16 on air of the state TV Company that they had themselves complained to the authorities about those who had left.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the head of the "Civil Assistance" Committee, believes that if the people had really led the way of life that they are charged with, they should be punished by the law, and not to return to Chechnya by force.

“This method of homecoming is a kidnapping in fact. Even if they got into a car themselves and drove to Chechnya, but did this under threats, this can in any case be considered a kidnapping. If these people were drinking somewhere and violating something by doing so, they should be punished according to the law, and not in this way – by forced returning to Chechnya. There could be an administrative offense for drinking alcohol in public places, for example," Ms Gannushkina has emphasized.

The return of Chechen natives home for inappropriate behaviour is the first such case, Oleg Orlov, a member of the board of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", has stated.

"The story itself is more than strange. Why should people apologize for the behaviour of their relatives outside Chechnya? Why should Chechen authorities insist on the return of a person who lives outside Chechnya? This is a very strange story that has nothing to do with the legislation or law," Mr Orlov believes.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 18, 2020 at 11:58 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.