A Chechnya Peace Forum initiative, we are currently collecting signatures for an open letter addressed to Dmitry Medvedev which was published in the Guardian newspaper on 7th May 2008 to coincide with the inaugeration of the new Russian President.

 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/07/russia.chechnya

As Mr Medvedev begins his first term, public opinion around the world will judge him on whether he takes decisive action to reintroduce civil liberties and human rights in Russia.  This is an opportunity for the newly elected President of Russia to finally bring security, freedom, peace and respect for human rights to the people of Chechnya.

We hope to secure the signatures of many high profile and influential people from politics, business, culture and so on - from many countries around Europe, to call for Dmitry Medvedev to implement a five point plan for Chechnya:

• First, to end the war, torture and suffering in the region.
• Second, to ensure the defence of human rights and the rule of law.
• Third, to permit a free and open media to cover events on the ground.
• Fourth, to allow the voice of political opponents to be heard not suffocated and permit unrestricted access of humanitarian organisations to Chechnya.
• Fifth, to implement democracy in Chechnya and promote self-determination by organising the first free and fair elections in more than a decade under the close scrutiny of independent observers.

Please see the pdf below for the full version of the letter. If you would like to add your name to the letter please respond by email to info@chechnyapeaceforum.com.

Alexander Litvinenko was a fierce critic of the ongoing human rights atrocities and war crimes in Chechnya that have been a hallmark of Vladimir Putin's Presidency. His cruel murder by radiation poisoning in November 2006 clearly illustrates the extent to which Putin's political critics are at risk both at home and abroad.
Following Britain's attempt to seek the extradition of key suspect Andrei Lugovoi and the Russian Authorities immediate refusal, the Chechnya Peace Forum has led a campaign to ensure the man responsible for Sasha's death is held accountable for his murder. We will do everything we can to keep this issue in the public eye.