A Russian non-governmental organization awarded a prize of PACE for investigating crimes in Chechnya

Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe (PACE) awarded the "Human Rights" prize to a Russian non-governmental organization "Committee Against Torture" of Nizhny Novgorod for investigations of crimes in Chechnya. The respective decision was officially announced on April, 12, within the framework of the spring session of the organization in Strasbourg. 

"The Russian Human Rights activists have carried out independent investigations of violations of human rights in Chechnya in this way contributing greatly into the cause of calling all those guilty of violations of human rights to account", the resolution of PACE runs.

The solemn awarding ceremony will be held at July session, ITAR-TASS reports.

The "Committee Against Torture" was established in Nizhny Novgorod in 2000 for rendering legal and medical aid to victims of torture and inhuman and humiliating treatment of people by law enforcement bodies. There are branches of the organization in Chechnya, Bashkiria and other regions of the country, "Commersant" reports. 

The "Human Rights" prize equal to 10 thousand euro has been awarded since 2009 and the Russians are being awarded it for the first time. 

See earlier reports: "Authority officials and public activists prepare report on visiting Nalchik SIZO," "Committee Against Torture: efficient investigation into Umarpashaev's abduction by local investigators is impossible," "Human rights activists submit complaint to the European Court on torture of Chechen Ganaev."

http://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/16730/