Procurator admits that torture used on church arson suspects in Tatarstan

On December 23, 2013, Tatarstan’s procurator admitted that torture had been used, after reviewing a complaint about Nizhnekamsk’s police activities from the wife of one the prisoners held on charge of setting fire to a church.

“Signs of crime are discernible in police activities, under point “a”, part 3, article 286 of the Russian Criminal Code—exceeding official powers with use of violence”, stated the procurator’s senior aide Elvira Zaripova.

Materials related to the inspection have been transferred to the investigative department at Nizhnekamsk for a criminal prosecution

On January 27th, 2014, Tatarstan’s Investigative Committee dismissed the case against police forces. According to the Investigative Committee, the use of torture on the suspects was not confirmed: the suspects’ wounds were allegedly self-inflicted, and lawyers were not allowed to speak with them due to the lack of power of attorney.

Translated by Matthew McDonald

Sources:

• В Татарстане прокуратура подозревает полицейских в пытках задержанного по делу о поджоге церквей // Открытое информационное агентство. 2013. 23 декабря.
• Жалобы обвиняемых в поджогах церквей на пытки беспочвенны – следком // РБК. 2014. 27 января.