A Call on Russia to Release Oyub Titiev and Respect Human Rights in Chechnya
As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michele Siders
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
February 1, 2018
The United States is troubled that the Supreme Court of Chechnya on January 25 affirmed a lower court decision authorizing the pre-trial detention of Oyub Titiev, the head of the Chechnya branch office of the Russian human rights NGO Memorial. We urge Russian federal authorities to ensure that Mr. Titiev’s rights are protected in accordance with the Russian constitution and Russia’s human rights obligations.
We continue to urge Russian Federation authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into a recent attack on Memorial’s office in Ingushetia, as well as the burning of a vehicle belonging to Memorial’s office in Dagestan, accompanied by threats made on the lives of Memorial employees there. Those responsible for the attacks and threats must be held accountable for their actions. We call on Chechen authorities to immediately release Mr. Titiev and allow independent civil society to operate free from harassment and intimidation.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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