–INVESTIGATIONS PRODUCE MEAGER RESULTS

A May 22 article on the Grani.ru website reminded readers that the federal procuracy has answered an official inquiry from Duma member Sergei Kovalev about criminal investigations involving Russian servicemen during the current Chechen war. According to these official figures, the authorities have investigated twelve murder cases, one case of murder mitigated by self-defense, two cases of death by negligence, thirteen cases of theft, one case of harming another’s health by negligence, one case of premeditated destruction of property, four cases of exceeding one’s authority, one case of criminal negligence, five cases of violations of the rules for driving military vehicles, four cases of violations of the rules for handling weapons, two cases of rape, and five cases of hooliganism. Of all these cases, only fourteen have led to court sentences.

–BUDANOV COURT TRIAL CONTINUES