Moscow, Russia – Two prominent activists, investigative journalist Elena Milashina and human rights lawyer Alexander Nemov, were brutally attacked by unidentified armed individuals in Chechnya. The attack occurred as they were traveling from the airport to Grozny, Chechnya. Milashina, known for her reporting on corruption and human rights violations in the North Caucasus and Chechnya, and Nemov, who has worked extensively in defending human rights in Chechnya, were ambushed, threatened, and violently assaulted. During the attack, they were warned to stop their activities and were left injured and traumatized. This incident is the most recent in a series of attacks against Milashina, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders in the region.
Both victims were hospitalized in Chechnya before being transferred to the North Caucasus Multidisciplinary Medical Centre in Beslan, North Ossetia. Despite their injuries, they refused to provide statements to Chechen authorities, expressing their lack of trust in any potential investigations. The attack on Milashina and Nemov occurred on the same day as a verdict was delivered against Zarema Moussaïeva, the wife of a former Russian federal judge of Chechen origin, who had become an opponent of Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic. Moussaïeva was convicted for “fraud” and “use of force” against a police officer, leading to concerns about the independence of the legal system in Chechnya.
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), strongly condemned the attack and called on Russian authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. Additionally, the Observatory urged the Russian government to end all forms of harassment against Milashina, Nemov, and other human rights defenders in the country, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for legitimate human rights activities.
In response to the attack, a letter-writing campaign was initiated, urging individuals to contact the authorities of Russia and demand guaranteed protection for the victims and other human rights defenders. The campaign also calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and an end to all forms of harassment against activists in the country.
The attack on Milashina and Nemov serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists and human rights defenders in Russia, particularly in regions like Chechnya. The ongoing threats and violence directed at individuals engaged in critical reporting and advocacy work underscore the need for continued international attention and pressure on the Russian government to ensure the safety and protection of activists.