The visit was carried out by Zdenĕk HÁJEK, a Czech lawyer, Jean-Pierre RESTELLINI, a Swiss specialist in forensic and internal medicine, and two members of the CPT's Secretariat, Petya NESTOROVA and Edo KORLJAN.

The CPT’s delegation reviewed the situation at SIZO No 2 in Chernokozovo, which remains the main detention centre in the Chechen Republic. It also visited detention facilities in Grozny, Argun and Urus-Martan, and spoke in private with detainees held there.

Another issue pursued during the visit was the treatment of persons detained for screening during special operations conducted by the federal forces. At meetings with Mr V. CHERNOV, Prosecutor of the Chechen Republic, and other senior civilian and military prosecutors, the delegation discussed the implementation of the order (No 46) issued in July last year by the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation on reinforcing control over such operations.

The delegation also held talks with Mr S. ILYASOV, Chairman of the Chechen Government, and Lieutenant General V. MOLTENSKOY, Commander in Chief of the Allied Group of Armed Forces.

Upon its return to Moscow, the CPT’s delegation discussed the main findings of the visit with Mr V. KALAMANOV, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for ensuring human rights and civil rights and freedoms in the Chechen Republic.