Dmitrii Kraiukhin - Russian Federation

Human rights defender Dmitrii Kraiukhin received numerous death threats in 2004 and 2005, apparently for his role in the trial of a neo-Nazi organisation in Orel, western Russia. Dmitrii Kraiukhin is the head of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) United Europe in Orel, particularly well-known for its work to combat racism.

In June 2003, Dmitrii Kraiukhin complained to the prosecutor's office in Zavodskii district of Orel about an organisation called Russian National Unity (RNU), allegedly responsible for acts of vandalism and distributing anti-Semitic material. As a result of his complaint, two members of RNU were convicted of 'incitement of national, racial or religious enmity' and given suspended prison sentences in June 2005. Dmitrii Kraiukhin was chief witness in this case, and is currently a witness in another prosecution against a leader of the RNU.

In February 2004, the Zavodskii district prosecutor gave the RNU all the case material, including the contact information of all the case experts and witnesses. RNU activists then began distributing leaflets in Orel and across central Russia accusing Dmitrii Kraiukhin of 'heresy' and publicising his home telephone number and address. This was also publicised on the internet by the 'Slavic Union' with the caption 'Know Your Enemy' emblazoned across the photograph. He has since received numerous threats by telephone, letters and emails. Dmitrii Kraiukhin has repeatedly asked the Russian authorities for witness protection but told AI that his requests so far have been denied. Reportedly criminal investigations have been opened but subsequently suspended into two of the threats he has received. Dmitrii Kraiukhin believes that the investigations have been totally ineffective.

However, he told AI that, even more than his own personal safety, he is concerned about the absolute lack of action by police and procurators to investigate criminal activities by extremist organisations, and to bring perpetrators to justice.

Human rights defender Dmitrii Kraiukhin received numerous death threats in 2004 and 2005, apparently for his role in the trial of a neo-Nazi organisation in Orel, western Russia. Dmitrii Kraiukhin is the head of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) United Europe in Orel, particularly well-known for its work to combat racism.

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