Several People Detained During Special Operation in Pankisi Gorge

Several People Detained During Special Operation in Pankisi Gorge

Akhmeta. 03.08.04. Media News

Early in the morning of August 3, 2004, the Security Ministry held a special operation in six villages of the Pankisi Gorge. Eleven persons were detained and charged with illegally keeping and transporting weapons; nine of them have already been released. During the special operation the police searched the houses of not only Chechen refugees, but also of native Kists.

At present the entrance to Pankisi Gorge is closed. Inhabitants of Duisi village protest the special operation and are conducting demonstrations. They allege that the searching and detention were illegal.