European Human Rights Chief Inspects Chechen Prison

(RFE/RL)

25 February 2006 -- Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil-Robles today began a two-day visit to Chechnya with a tour of the Chernokozovo prison camp.

Gil-Robles last visited Chernokozovo five years ago, when he called for its immediate closure. In 2000, the camp became the subject of international criticism following allegations by former inmates of routine torture, beatings, and humiliation of prisoners.

According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Gil-Robles said he was astonished by the changes for the better that have been made since then.

His arrival in Chechnya comes just days after a visit to the war-torn Russian republic by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour, who said she was deeply disturbed by accounts of torture and kidnappings.

(AFP, Interfax)