Russian Soldier Goes On Trial For Killing Three Chechens

(RFE/RL)

March 17, 2006 -- A military trial has opened in Rostov-on-Don of a Russian soldier accused of killing three Chechens last November.

According to the indictment, quoted by Ria Novosti, the accused, Aleksei Krivoshonok, killed the three during a routine vehicle check. The report said the soldier was apparently drunk.

It is not clear from the report where the incident happened.

The report said the accused reacted angrily when one of the Chechens protested against rough treatment. Krivoshonok then allegedly struck the man with a knife and shot him in the head. The soldier then killed the other two people to eliminate any witnesses.

(AFP)