The Russian newspaper that first broke the story that Chechen authorities were targeting the region’s gay community has released the names of 27 victims of the violent crackdown.
Novaya Gazeta has published the names of 27 men who are believed to have been executed without trial, reporting that as many as 56 people have been killed by Ramzan Kadyrov’s government.
“According to our information, the detainees were shot that night and have carried on various cemeteries, including Christian, and buried in hastily dug graves," Novaya Gazeta reports.
The newspaper’s latest investigation reports that the men were detained at different dates but executed on the nights of January 25 and 26 this year.
Journalists at the newspaper said they made the bold decision to publish the list of names because the Russian and Chechen authorities “did not leave us any choice”.
“Two months we had hoped for cooperation at the very beginning [of the investigation]to be effective," the newspaper reports.
"Today it is obvious that the Investigative Committee of Russia is losing ground on this situation…That is why we publish the list of those who, according to our information, were victims of the worst possible extrajudicial executions in Grozny.
“And now the investigation, which has a lack of living of witnesses, will have to deal with the special witnesses.
“Because only the dead have nothing to fear in Chechnya.”
The list reports the full names and birth dates of the men who were executed—all the victims are under the age of 33, the youngest just 18:
Abdulmezhidov Adam Isaevich, born May 27, 1987
Abumuslimov Apti Hasanovic, born June 2, 1989
Abdulkerimov Side Ramzan Ramzanovich, born March 25, 1990
Alimhanov Islam Aliev, born July 6, 1998
Abubakarov Adam Dzhabrailovich, born May 5, 1995
Bergan Ismail Shadidovich born August 19, 1998
Dasaev Adam Ilyasovich, born June 16, 1988
Dzhabayev Zelimhan Hizirovich, born December 18, 1993
Ilyasov Adam Huseynovich, born September 22, 1997
Lugano Rizwan Saeed-Hamzatovich, born September 13, 1987
Malikov Rizwan Agdanovich, born January 6, 1990
Musk ICYE Turpalovich, born July 19, 1988
Muskhanov Temirlan Ahmadovich, born April 28, 1986
Ozdiev Usman Vahaevich, born December 24, 1989
Rashidov Doc Ibrahimovic, born May 30, 1995
Siriev Magomed Musaevich, born February 23, 1993
Soltahmanov Ismail Ezer-Aliyev, born March 30, 1994
Suleymanov Magomed Arbievich, born January 3, 1987
Tuchaev Ahmed Ramzanovich, born February 23, 1987
Habu Khamzat Slaudinovich born February 14, 1993
Khakimov Alvi Aslambekovich, born November 16, 1992
Hamidov Shamil Ahmedovich, born November 14, 1986
Tsikmaev Sultanovich Ayoub, born April 2, 1984
Shapiev Muslim Isaevich, born November 28, 1989
Eskarbiev Sayhan Vahamsoltovich, born May 23, 1992
Yusupov Sahab Marshak, born January 19, 1990
Yusupov Shamhan Shayhovich, born June 17, 1988
Vice News recently travelled to Chechnya to speak with authorities at the prisons where victims were allegedly held. You can watch the video below:
