HRC "Memorial" suspends its work in Chechnya

The Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" suspends its activity in Chechnya after the kidnapping and murder of its employee Natalia Estemirova.

"Since what we've used to do entails mortal danger to our people, we cannot take the risk," Alexander Cherkasov, a member of the Executive Committee of the "Memorial", said today. He has not specified the duration of suspension; however, he said that the decision is connected, among other things, with the mourning over the perished employee of the "Memorial" Natalia Estemirova, as reported by the "Interfax" Agency.

The head of "Memorial" Oleg Orlov has stated, in his turn, that the decision on temporary suspension of the work of his organization in Chechnya was made in the evening on July 17 by the Board of the HRC "Memorial".

See earlier reports: "Russian human rights activists to support head of HRC "Memorial" in litigation against President of Chechnya," "Employees of "Memorial" in Chechnya discuss expediency of further work in the republic," "Picket in memory of Natalia Estemirova held in Moscow."