Sir, - In the face of the latest reports on Chechnya, how can we remain indifferent? Indeed, how have we remained indifferent for so long?
This cruel, dirty war is relentlessly crushing innocent civilian populations, brutalising young soldiers who are made take part in abominable massacres while their mothers call in vain for their return. It is also affecting every aspect of life in Russia, from the rise of racial hatred to the censorship of the press.
What has happened to the journalist Andrei Babitski who was handed over to "Chechen terrorists" in exchange for Russian soldiers on February 3rd? Indeed, what happened to him even before that, after he was arrested by Russian troops outside Grozny on January 16th? Human Rights Watch and Medecins du Monde are respected, credible organisations. What is the response of the Irish Government to their account of the situation in Chechnya? - Yours, etc.,
Claudine Gaidoni, Dundrum, Dublin 16.