Russians accused of Chechnya 'crime'

Rebels are targeting pro-Russian Chechens

By Jonathan Charles in Moscow

The leader of Chechnya's pro-Russian political administration has called for an investigation into what he has described as a large-scale crime against civilians in the republic.

Akhmad Kadyrov made the complaint following the alleged mass round-up of civilians by Russian forces in two Chechen villages.

Russia says the operations are necessary to separate civilians from Islamic rebels who have been fighting in the republic for the last two years.

Although the army is nominally in control of the republic, its troops are coming under daily attack from Chechen rebels.

Dogs

Now, in an attempt to crack down on the rebels, the army appears to have carried out controversial raids on two villages, allegedly terrorising the inhabitants.

Akhmad Kadyrov: "Cleansing" operations are an abuse of human rights

Refugees from the villages of Sernovodsk and Assinovskaya claim that more than 1,000 men were rounded up.

The Chechens say those detained were beaten, tortured and bitten by dogs.

After visiting one of the villages, Mr Kadyrov wants a full enquiry, arguing that the so-called zachistki or cleansing operations amount to an abuse of human rights.

A young villager blames Russian soldiers for his injuries

The Russian troops involved are also said to have looted the villages, seizing carpets, televisions and anything else they could carry.

The Russian Government has acknowledged that the raids occurred, but it argues that tough measures are necessary to root out the rebels from the civilian population.

The operations show Russia's increasing desperation - it is continuing to lose soldiers in the skirmishing and despite the intense activity, the rebels show no sign of surrendering.