Disappearance of two Chechens in Tbilisi

Disappearance of two Chechens in Tbilisi

Today the NGO "Article 42 of the Constitution" organized a press conference concerning the disappearance of two Chechens: Mr. Islam Khashiev (previously know as Bekzan Mulkoev, Elikhajiev) and Mr.Husein Alkhanov (previously know as Temur Baemurzaev).

Among others attending the press conference were advocates Lia Mukhashavria and Archil Chofikashvili, Khizri Aldamov, and Maka Khanchukaeva.

On February 6, 2004, the Chechens were acquitted by the Tbilisi District Court of a variety of charges stemming from their border crossing from Chechnya into Georgia in 2002.

They left home in Vashlidjvari at 11am on February 16, and had planned to visit the Ministry of Refugees, but they have not been seen since.

Lawyers involved in their recent case were informed about this occurrence late last night.

The missing persons were expected to participate in a meeting with a fact-finding delegation from the European Court of Humans Rights on February 23.

- Nana Kintsurashvili