Dear President Medvedev,

On 2 April 2003, Artur Akhmatkhanov, was detained near his house, apparently by members of the Russian federal forces (FSB). Artur Akhmatkhanov, 22, was a student of the Oil Institute in Grozny and also volunteered with the human rights organization, the Russian-Chechen Friendship Society. He had married in March 2003. His whereabouts are still unknown.

I urge you to undertake an immediate, thorough, independent and effective investigation into Artur Akhmatkhanov's enforced disappearance, with the findings made public and the perpetrators brought to justice.

I also urge you keep Artur Akhmatkhanov's family informed of all findings and developments in the investigation.

I call for effective investigations and prosecutions into all cases of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations, and steps should be taken to end these violations committed by Russian security forces, including ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate in full accordance with Russian and international law.

Sincerely,

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