A Chechen man named Askhab Uspanov died in police custody in Moscow last month, with reports suggesting that he may have been tortured to death. Uspanov was found dead at a Moscow police station hours after being detained on March 22, the same day as a deadly attack at Crocus City Hall. Chechya’s human rights chief Mansur Soltaev stated that the official law enforcement version claimed that Uspanov committed suicide, but his mother disagreed, believing that he would not have taken his own life due to his Muslim faith. Soltaev dismissed reports linking Uspanov’s detention to the concert attack as provocations by media and foreign agents.
Relatives of Uspanov claim that he was detained just a few hours before the attack at Crocus City Hall, but Soltaev has denied any connection between the two events. The Chechen human rights chief stated that Uspanov’s relatives do not believe he could have been involved in the terrorist attack and is using all legal means to uncover the truth about his death in custody. There were unconfirmed reports claiming that Uspanov was violently detained on suspicion of involvement in the mass shooting and then tortured to death. It remains unclear whether Soltaev’s intentions to seek a thorough procedural review are in relation to Uspanov’s alleged suicide or the attempts to link his detention to the massacre.
The Chechen opposition group 1Adat was the first to report on Uspanov’s death in police custody and shared graphic footage of his body after an autopsy. The videos displayed a fractured skull, broken ribcage, and broken spine, leading to the belief that Uspanov may have been tortured during his detention. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Uspanov’s death and whether any foul play was involved. The delay in official comments on the case has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in Chechnya’s law enforcement agencies.
Human rights organizations have condemned Uspanov’s death and called for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind his demise. The lack of transparency and conflicting reports regarding the cause of death have fueled suspicions of foul play and torture in police custody. Efforts are being made to bring justice for Uspanov and his family, as well as to hold those responsible for his death accountable. The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice in Chechnya and beyond, highlighting the importance of protecting human rights and ensuring accountability in law enforcement agencies.
Chechnya’s human rights chief Mansur Soltaev has promised to pursue a full investigation into Uspanov’s death and to uncover the truth behind the conflicting reports surrounding the case. The allegations of torture and mistreatment in police custody raise serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and suspects in Chechnya, and efforts are being made to address these issues and prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragic death of Askhab Uspanov has shed light on the challenges faced by human rights activists and advocates in Chechnya, as they work to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
