Killing of human rights defender and owner of opposition Internet news site in Ingushetia, Magomed Yevloyev

Front Line is gravely concerned following reports of the killing of Magomed Yevloyev, human rights defender, journalist and owner of the Internet news site www.ingushetiya.ru, on 31 August 2008 in Nazran. Magomed Yevloyev was very critical, in his writings, of the Russian security forces in Ingushetia. He was also extremely critical of Ingush President Murat Zyazikov.

Further Information

Posted 04 September 2008 On 31 August 2008, upon returning to Ingushetia and arriving at Magas airport, Magomed Yevloyev was shot and killed by a member of the security forces. Magomed Yevloyev had been travelling on the same flight as President Murat Zyazikov when he was arrested upon arrival, allegedly in connection with an investigation into a bomb explosion in Nazran a few days previously. His body was found later on the side of the road with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to the nearby Central Hospital of Nazran where he was operated on but died as a result of the bullet wound to his temple.

On 2 September 2008, a protest march being held in Nazran was broken up by security forces. The protesters had gathered near the bus station in Nazran to demand the resignation of President Murat Zyazikov and an immediate investigation into the killing of Magomed Yevloyev. According to reports the police and special forces fired warning shots and violently dispersed the crowd.

Front Line believes that Magomed Yevloyev was detained and killed as a result of his legitimate activities in defence of human rights in Ingushetia.