16:34, 10 March 2004

Student Aslanbek Khanbiyev released

The student from the Department of Medicine of the Chechen State University who was arrested several days ago was released on March 5, said his classmates.

Aslanbek Khanbiyev was jailed for three days and during that time he had been badly beaten. Apparently he was punished for being related to Magomed Khanbiyev, former Defense Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.

His classmates believe he was released thanks to their continuous public protest. For three days about 200 students from the Department of Medicine picketed the building of the Chechen government in Grozny, waving banners with slogans condemning the arrest.

However, the fate of Aslanbek's detained brother remains unknown. Ousam Baysaev of the Russian human rights organization Memorial suspects he may be among other Khanbiyev relatives who were also arrested.

Two Khanbiyevs are being held in the town of Gudermes, while 20 other relatives of Magomed Khanbiyev, including women and the elderly from the Nozhay-Yurt district, are jailed in the village of Benoi, said Baysaev.

Editors note: See also the articles "Students of Chechen State University request classmate be released", "Chechen separatist leader surrenders".

Author: Timur Aliyev, CK correspondent

Source: Prague Watchdog