JURISTS CALL FOR FREEZING RUSSIAN APPLICATION TO COUNCIL OF EUROPE…

The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) yesterday accused Russia of blatantly violating international law in Chechnya and urged the Council of Europe to freeze discussion of Russia’s admission to the body. While "unequivocally denouncing" Chechen fighters for also breaching international law by taking innocent hostages, the ICJ found Russia guilty of "shocking, indiscriminate, and disproportionate use of force" in Pervomaiskoye. The body deplored what it described as the "impunity" enjoyed by Russia due to its status as a permanent UN Security Council member and urged the UN Human Rights Commission to appoint a special investigator for the Chechnya conflict. (5)

…As Duma Delegation Awaits Vote.