HELSINKI WATCH ACCUSES LUZHKOV OF RACISM.

Publication: Monitor Volume: 1 Issue: 103

Helsinki Watch has published a report accusing Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov and the Moscow MVD of an intimidation campaign against temporary residents of the city who originate from the Caucasus. In its 35-page document, made public in New York and Moscow, the human rights group cites numerous cases of discrimination on ethnic and racial grounds, including in public statements. The report says that Luzhkov, under the pretext of combating crime, has introduced a de facto state of emergency selectively targeting people from the Caucasus. Regulations introduced by Luzhkov legalize apprehension and detention for up to 30 days without charges. The report also finds that the Moscow militia and OMON are using the regulations to intimidate non-Slav "dark-skinned citizens" in general, and it demands that Luzhkov repeal these discriminatory rules and comply with both international and Russian legal standards. (7)

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