Download the letter.
Russia: FIFA called to take measures for the release of a detained human rights defender in Chechnya
In a letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, international and Russian human rights organisations draw FIFA’s attention to a human rights crisis in Chechnya. Its capital Grozny shall become a training camp for the Egyptian football team during the upcoming World Cup in June-July 2018 organised in Russia. In particular, FIFA can make a difference in saving Human Rights Centre "Memorial" and its head of Grozny office Oyub Titiev, detained since 9 January 2018 on fabricated charges.
In its human rights policies FIFA undertook a commitment to take adequate measures for the protection of human rights defenders where they are at risk. Therefore, our organisations call FIFA to urge the Russian authorities and directly President Putin to immediately and unconditionally release Oyub Titiev, to impartially investigate attacks against Memorial and ensure a safe and enabling environment for human rights work in Chechnya.