| MOSCOW, June 16 (RIA Novosti) - Five criminal cases have
been opened over the past few months on human rights violations committed
by policemen and prosecutor's office officials, Vladimir
Lukin, Human Rights Commissioner in Russia told a press conference
at the RIA Novosti news agency on Wednesday.
Eleven law enforcers have been brought to disciplinary account for human
rights violations over that time period, according to Mr Lukin. "Human
rights observance by law enforcement agencies remains an acute problem."
Russia's Tver, Moscow, Leningrad and Vladimir regions must be given close
attention in this respect, according to the Russian ombudsman.
"Law enforcers commit outrageous violations by conducting unauthorised
searches, torturing and beating detainees," said Mr Lukin. For example
they often use gas masks and handcuffs in tortures.
A special group was set up early this year to monitor human rights observance
by Russia's law enforcement agencies.
Group members are expected to make surprise visits to police stations
to investigate infringements on human rights. "The group has checked
32 police offices since its creation, and the checks revealed grave violations,"
noted Mr Lukin.
Mr Lukin added that the checks showed that largely ungrounded arrests
were often made, investigations were conducted in violation of the procedural
arrangements, and prison conditions were not up to standard.
In 2003, 10 rights-related criminal cases were opened in Russia, and
17 law enforcers were brought to disciplinary justice, reported the ombudsman.
See also:
Human
Rights
| 