PUBLICAI Index: EUR 23/007/2002

31 May 2002

Further information on EXTRA 37/02 (EUR 23/001/2002, 3 May 2002) - Forcible Return/ Fear for Safety/Fear of torture or ill-treatment

GERMANY/Rustam Alimkhanov (m), aged 20

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Following numerous appeals against the forcible return of Rustam Alimkhanov to the Russian Federation, he has been given six months leave to remain in Germany. This is so that he can receive treatment, following medical reports that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is a suicide risk.

The deportation order against him however, has not been lifted and he could be deported at the end of the six months. On 27 May, the government of the Federal State of Berlin took the decision to halt the deportation of Chechen refugees to Russia for the next six months, if they have no relatives in the capital Moscow. Amnesty International welcomes this decision, but fears that other Chechen refugees who are deported to the Russian Federation, are still at risk of being tortured and ill-treated.

No further action is requested by the UA network at present. Thank you to all those who sent appeals.