As the Cheka-OGPU reported to the Committee, on June 11, members of the Committee against Torture decided to liquidate it in connection with its inclusion in the register of foreign agents.
The Ministry of Justice indicated that the goals of the Committee’s activities are “representing the interests of the applicant in the investigative authorities and the court; providing assistance in obtaining compensation, as well as, if necessary, carrying out medical rehabilitation measures.”
– I think that in this way the authorities are giving a clear signal that torture is possible in our country, but helping citizens who have suffered from torture is apparently harmful for the state. There is no need to talk about the fact that such a position is completely inconsistent with the Russian Constitution,” comments former Committee Chairman Sergei Babinets. – Apparently, torture is now part of state policy, and those who fight against torture are clearly foreign agents. While real patriots, apparently, according to the logic of the Ministry of Justice, should be delighted with the sound of an electric discharge passing through the human body.
Lawyers of the Committee against Torture visit investigative departments, courts every day, meet with government officials at all levels: deputies, human rights ombudsmen in the regions, prosecutors and heads of the Investigative Committee – the status of a “foreign agent” will not allow them to carry out this work. Victims of torture and police violence are effectively deprived of the chance to seek justice.
Over 21 years, the Committee received 3,178 reports of human rights violations in Russia, achieved the payment of more than 297 million rubles in compensation to victims, won 78 cases in the ECHR and brought to the dock 159 security officials guilty of torture and ill-treatment.
Last year, the Committee published an analytical report “The Arithmetic of Torture”, according to which 43% of those convicted of torture receive only suspended sentences, and the average actual sentence is about 4 years, while in half of the cases the Investigative Committee refuses to initiate criminal proceedings for reports of torture.
– We cannot abandon the 188 cases that are currently being worked on. These are 188 stories of inhuman cruelty and hope for justice – it is our duty to bring them to the end. We will announce our plans in the near future,” added Sergei Babinets.
“ВЧК ОГПУ”
