Over 80 non-profit organizations signed a letter, saying that “the presence of human rights workers in Chechnya is essential”(see attached).

 

Recalling Natalia Estemirova, the authors of the letter note the unacceptable situation when the very work of human rights defenders becomes mortally dangerous; at the same time, they admit that human rights work is vital to the citizens of the Republic.

 

They are calling on Memorial Human Rights Center to resume its work in Chechnya and express their willingness to support the work of independent human rights organizations in the republic.