Tamerlan Tsgoev, the North Ossetian Human Rights Commissioner, has urged local authorities to reopen a troubling case involving allegations of torture against Vladikavkaz resident Batraz Gogaev. Commissioner Tsgoev made his appeal to acting prosecutor Maxim Shilin and the head of the Investigative Committee’s regional department, Valery Ustov, citing insufficient investigation into Gogaev’s claims regarding mistreatment and psychological pressure by the Interior Ministry’s Centre for Combating Extremism (CCE).
In his statement on Telegram, Tsgoev expressed serious concern over the manner in which Gogaev’s claims were verified. Gogaev asserts that in November 2024, armed men abducted him, subjected him to electric shocks, and coerced a confession for crimes he insists he did not commit. Following two grueling hours of torture, Gogaev was transferred to the CCE, where he later admitted to wrongdoing under extreme duress, fearing for his life.
Despite Gogaev’s chilling account, the deputy prosecutor dismissed the case, reasoning that no offence had occurred. Tsgoev pointed out that vital evidence, including CCTV footage and polygraph tests, were not pursued, and that eyewitness accounts were overlooked. He believes that the refusal to investigate was rash and urged the prosecutors to reconsider their decision and renew the inquiry.
North Ossetia has a notorious history with police-related torture cases, notably the tragic case of Vladimir Tskaev, who died in hospital in 2015 after being tortured while in police custody. Following a public outcry, some involved officers received prison sentences ranging from 2.5 to 10.5 years in 2021.
Gogaev, aged 29, was reportedly detained for allegedly sharing an erotic video from a controversial private party that had taken place in late 2024. His mother corroborated claims that he had confronted the partygoers, leading to accusations of extortion when he demanded apologies and money from those featured in the video. Activists are advocating for stricter regulations regarding rental agreements in the tourist areas of North Ossetia, proposing that renting a home requires marital documentation to limit such parties.
Tamerlan Tsgoev, the North Ossetian Human Rights Commissioner, has called for the reopening of a torture case involving Batraz Gogaev, who claims to have suffered abuse at the hands of police. The initial refusal to investigate is being challenged due to inadequate evidence examination, raising concerns about police accountability in North Ossetia.
The North Ossetian Human Rights Commissioner, Tamerlan Tsgoev, is pressing for a reevaluation of a disturbing torture case involving Batraz Gogaev. With serious allegations of police misconduct and a troubling history of similar cases in the region, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. As calls for accountability grow, the community seeks to address the underlying issues of violence and abuse within law enforcement and societal norms concerning personal conduct.
Original Source: oc-media.org
