Russia: Pro-Moscow Chechen Official Confirms Atrocities

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty ^ | 2005 Jun 17 | Robert Parsons

[Wiz]

A leading human rights official in the Russian-backed administration in Chechnya says tens of thousands of Chechen civilians have disappeared since 1999. Nurdi Nukhazhiev said that many of the accusations made by human rights groups against the Russian armed forces -- among them that they have targeted civilians – were true. He said there was not a single Chechen family that had not suffered in the first and second Chechen wars.

Prague, 17 June 2005 (RFE/RL) -- There is nothing new in these accusations. They have been made -- and ignored -- countless times by every human rights agency that has ever worked in Chechnya. What makes these different is that they come from the heart of the pro-Moscow Chechen administration itself.

Nurdi Nukhazhiev is the chairman of the pro-Moscow Chechen government's committee for civil rights. At a meeting of the Chechen state council this week, he admitted that up to 60,000 people had lost a relative or a friend in the disappearances that have tormented the republic since the start of the second Chechen war in 1999.

He went further. The Chechen authorities were aware of the existence of 52 mass graves, which, he said, had to be properly exhumed. And, he said, speaking to the BBC, federal forces had to take responsibility.

"You know, when measures of this kind are undertaken, responsibility must be borne by those who use force. In both conceivable and inconceivable ways, this violates human rights, the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the international obligations of Russia before the Council of Europe. Those responsible refuse to take into account many things. That's why we have such heavy consequences," Nukazhiev said.

[Wiz]

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[Wiz]

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[KeyWest]

Every "insurgent" killed in Iraq is, by definition, a civilian. So the same charges could be and are leveled at us.

I do not like the way the Russians operate, but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam. And, unfortunately, I do not believe much at all that comes from the press that is sympathetic to the "insurgents".

Radical Islam wants to destroy us. Simple as that.

[Wiz]

Are all Iraqis terrorists by your definition? Are all Chechens terrorists by your definition? By the way, RFE/RL is a Department of State funded program, not one of those MSMs.

[wtc911]

Every "insurgent" killed in Iraq is, by definition, a civilian....

------------------------------

Ever hear the term Enemy Combatant? Pick up a gun and you are no longer a civilian.

And there is much more going on between Chechnya and Russia than the islamic terror war that we are dealing with in our fight.

Oh, and Russia has a history of leaving mass graves in its wake.

[Grzegorz 246]

"I do not like the way the Russians operate, but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam."

Most of Chechens and virtually all of their leaders (former Soviet officers and bureaucrats) in early 90's were atheists. Islamists gained influence after most of those leaders and one third of Chechen civilians had been killed.

The whole mess was created by drunk Russians generals, because corruption during war is much easier - they were stealing a large part of cash and supply for Russian forces in Chechnya.

[Grzegorz 246]

"...but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam."

Russian war with radical Islam.

[GarySpFc]

"You know, when measures of this kind are undertaken, responsibility must be borne by those who use force. In both conceivable and inconceivable ways, this violates human rights, the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the international obligations of Russia before the Council of Europe. Those responsible refuse to take into account many things. That's why we have such heavy consequences," Nukazhiev said.

Simply because RFE put this on the air does not make it true. Indeed, RFE is know to be liberal, and not in sync with mainstream American life. Have you heard all the lies told about Americans in Iraq? Likewise, it has been very obvious to me the Chechens have an excellent propaganda machine to draw in the liberal press and suckers. The do the same thing in Iraq. You remind me of the liberals in America who have forgotten 9/11, the Marine barricks, Nick Berg's beheading, etc. You have likewise forgotten the atroticies the Chechens have committed aqgainst Russia and the Russians. In that you expose yourself as being morally bankrupt in that you love evil more than good. Have you ever been in a war? I think I know the answer to that already.

[Destro]

You mean there is dissent in Russia? Gasps! What kind of dictatorship is Putin running anyways? -sarcasm-

[jb6]

Here's a little reminder of famous Chechen "accomplishments".

Russia Remembers Victims of Basayev Raid on Budyonnovsk

[JasonC]

Incorrect. Anyone who takes up a weapon ceases to be a civilian and becomes a combatant. It is not at all clear those the Russians killed were combatants, had weapons of any kind at any time, etc. If they did, then they were combatants not civilians.

[jb6]

So did we, or have you forgotten our last major insurgent wars, on our lands: the Indians. Congress' Indian Solution: surround the village, bullets for the men who resisted, sabers for everyone else. Kill the buffalo so the Indian will starve. Hell, the couple of million that still remain still don't own their own land, it's still controlled and "managed" by the Officer of Indian Affairs, over 100 years since the last Indian wars.

As for Vietnam, there were plenty of atrocities that went on. That's what happens when you put half trained conscripts into such a situation. This is the exact stupidity that the Russians are doing.

[jb6]

Most of Chechens and virtually all of their leaders (former Soviet officers and bureaucrats) in early 90's were atheists. Islamists gained influence after most of those leaders and one third of Chechen civilians had been killed

That's a lie and you know it. Mashkodov accepted Wahhibism while "president" and while his prime minister was Baseyov. Furthermore, less then 200,000 Chechins have been killed during 10 years of war, out of 900,000. Two hundred thousand live in Moscow.

Kodorov, the murdered president of that province, was also the Chief Mufti of the Chechens and the Islamics had no problem killing him.

Oh and for that matter, since you and yours seem to care sooooo much for the Chechen welfare, why is it that Poland keeps stopping them at the border and sending them back?

[jb6]

Russian war with radical Islam.

The hypocracy just oozes off of you. Your masters in Brussels have no issues about dealing with the Mullahs either.

[jb6]

Yeah, Grzgy and his bunch of russophobes just want it all their way: it's a dictatorship, until we can find someone to say something against the government, then it's an even worse dictatorship, because the opposition says so...never mind how a dictatorship could have vocal opposition: "These are not the facts or issues you're looking for."

[Destro]

It's very funny really - if it was not so sad.

[Lion in Winter]

Ever time I hear the terms "human rights watch or group".... GEORGE SOROS COMES TO MIND!!

Yes, he is pays those group's bills. They are his MOUTHPIECE.

He hates Russia 'cause he could NOT take over there. He hates George Bush too!! His OPEN SOCIETY and MOVE-ON groups work for hillary clinton!!

So, those so-called "human rights groups" and their opinions are worth just so much sh-+ to ANY REAL AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE!!!

WHICH, BY THE WAY.... YOU ARE NOT!!

[Lion in Winter]

Yes, Russians are fighting islamics and so is the USA.

No matter HOW they do it... Russians and Americans JUST NEED TO DO THE DEED!! Get all islamics "off this planet"!!

When those commies swarmed us in Korea we did not take the time to think...we just got " 'em off the planet"... so to speak! If you catch my drift?

[Grzegorz 246]

Damn Amerikkans, they killed the Indians ! Russians just wanted to be like Amerikkans and that's why they killed Chechens !