Yabloko Bureau’s appeal to President Vladimir Putin, 28.09.2018

The Russian United Democratic Party Yabloko demands that Oyub Titiev, Chair of the Chechen branch of the Memorial human rights groups, be released immediately.

A criminal case against Titiev is an illegal response to his daily heroic work on the protection and saving of people’s lives in Chechnya. Titiev is almost the only person who stood up for human rights in the Chechen Republic in the situation when Ramzan Kadyrov’s political power in the region is unchallenged. Titiev risks his life every day.

His life is in imminent danger now. Titiev must be protected by the federal governmental bodies.

We do not trust the Chechen court and law enforcement which are totally dependent on Ramzan Kadyrov and fulfil his orders.

The court proceedings against Titiev are Kadyrov’s personal revenge and his attempt to do away with almost the only human rights group in Chechnya.

There are grounds to believe that the case file against Titiev was fully faked by the Chechen law enforcement and the court is going to use it as evidence.

Cases like this form Russia’s image in the eyes of Russian citizens and the whole world.

Oyub Titiev’s services to Russia, to civil society are immense and unique. His activity in Chechnya is a heroic deed. In a civilised state he would have been granted a government award.

Today’s award is a faked criminal case and court proceedings that was closed to public on 20th September.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin bears personal responsibility for the life of Oyub Titiev in the situation when the Chechen authorities and Ramzan Kadyrov in person do not obey Russia’ law.

Oyub Titie must be released immediately, granted governmental protection at the federal level and the criminal case must be closed for absence of a criminal act.

The Yabloko party demands that President of Russia Vladimir Putin take immediate actions to save Oyub Titiev’s life.

Emilia Slabunova
Yabloko Chair