Chairwoman of European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, Ms. Heidi Hautala, and the vice-chair of the Subcommittee, Ms. Laima Andrikiene, express great concern over the safety of Islam Umarpashaev, 24 years old Chechen who was illegally detained from 11th of December 2009 to 2nd of April 2010. Chairwoman remains particularly concerned over the reports of severe prolonged torture of Mr. Umarpashaev suffered during the detention.
 
While still in prison, the relatives of Mr. Umarpashaev made an application to the European Court of Human Rights under articles 2, 3 and 5. Despite acute danger to his life and the safety of his family, he is determined to continue the case.
 
Chairwoman Hautala and Vice-Chair Andrikiene strongly urge the Russian authorities to guarantee the safety of Mr. Umarpashaev and his family. All acts of intimidation must be stopped.
 
Furthermore, the Chairwoman and the Vice-Chair  recall the legal obligations of Russian authorities under European Convention of Human Rights to fully investigate the case.

Nazran 2nd September 2010