92002E3923

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3923/02

by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Council

(14 January 2003)

Subject: Death of the Chechen Salman Raduyev in a Russian gaol

On Sunday 15 December 2002 the Russian Ministry of Justice announced the death, at the age of 35, of Salman Raduyev the first of the Chechen commanders to be arrested, tried and sentenced to life imprisonment for the hostage-taking in Kisljar in 2001 on 14 December 2002 in the infirmary of the White Swan prison in the city of Solikamsk, Siberia (Perm region). It took him several days to die following an internal haemorrhage caused, according to Russian sources, by old war wounds which had never completely healed.

On Monday, 16 December, an article in the Russian newspaper Kommersant, reproduced in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, reported statements made anonymously by prison staff, according to which Raduyev was said, by his cell-mate, to have been beaten to death after having opposed a surprise search of his cell by his guards. Salman Raduyev was one of the witnesses whose testimony was used to back the Russian Justice Ministry's request to Denmark and Great Britain for the arrest and extradition of Akhmed Zakaiev. Raduyev allegedly claimed that Zakaiev had taken part personally in kidnappings and terrorist acts. In the same article the Kommersant suggested an interpretation of events according to which Raduyev might have been forced to testify against Zakaiev and then been eliminated.

Is the Council aware of these allegations and if so, how did it react? What official steps does it intend to take to ensure that light is thrown on the real circumstances of Mr Raduyev's death? More generally, how does the Council rate Russia's ability to fulfil the duties of a constitutional state?

Reply

(8 May 2003)

The Council is aware of the allegations concerning the death of Mr Raduyev in a Russian prison in December 2002. It considers that the allegations should be brought before the competent authorities in Russia. The Council will follow this case closely.

The Council will continue to take advantage of the numerous political dialogue meetings with Russia at all levels to underline that democracy and respect of human rights are key elements of the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia. The Council will also continue to underline that progress in the reform process in Russia, including strengthening of the rule of law, is essential for the further development of relations. The Council stands ready to support the Russian authorities in this context.