Estemirova: in Chechnya, pensions and allowances are no longer paid to militants' relatives

Chechen authorities use new ways of pressing militants: their relatives are deprived of children's allowances and pensions, reports Natalia Estemirova, member of the Grozny branch of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial".

The office of the HRC "Memorial" in Chechnya was addressed by several persons. On the facts of non-payment of pensions and allowances, human rights activists have already addressed the prosecutor's office. "So far, we've addressed the prosecutor's office pf the Achkhoy-Martan District, and now are filing an application to the prosecutor's office of Grozny; and we'll wait for their response," Natalia Estemirova said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to applicants' story, they came to the pension department and were told there that pensions should be given out' at the department of labour they were recommended to address the head of the Sunzha ROVD (District Interior Division); they came there several times but could not get him.

An employee of the prosecutor's office of the Achkhoy-Martan District, who refused to present herself, has confirmed to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that such things really happen. The prosecutor's office has not yet launched its checks or investigations, as applications have arrived quite recently: they are two so far.

See earlier reports: ""Memorial": houses of militants' relatives are set on fire in Chechnya", "Would-be terrorists liquidated in Chechnya rendered no resistance, eyewitnesses say", ""Memorial": actions of power agents provoke militants' response in Northern Caucasus".