An IRCC Grozny office employee kidnapped two-and-a-half years ago in Chechnya

The fate of the employee of the Grozny office of the International Red Cross Committee who was kidnapped in Chechnya by unidentified persons in summer of 2003 is still unknown.

As the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt at the IRCC office in Grozny, the organization has been trying to find out something about the fate and location of Usman Saidaev for more than two years, but with no result, so far. This situation causes a serious concern of the kidnapped person's family and colleagues.

"Two-and-a-half years have passed since the moment when unidentified persons kidnapped Usman Saidaev, employee of the IRCC Grozny office, from his own house. The IRCC management has repeatedly addressed the Chechen and the Russian Federation law enforcement agencies on this issue; it was repeatedly raised during official meetings of IRCC representatives with the republic's leaders. However, at present we have no information about his fate and location," related Timur Ibakov, public relations officer of IRCC Grozny branch, to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

For reference, Usman Saidaev, a 41-year-old secretary of economic safety, IRCC in Chechnya, was kidnapped by unknown armed persons on August 2, 2003. He was taken away straight from his own house in the village of Novy Engenoj, Gudermes district, Chechnya. His wife and a child remain in Novy Engenoj. As far as possible, the IRCC tries to help the family of their kidnapped employee. "We have been paying the family and children the Usman's salary. At present, Saidaev's wife works at our organization. The IRCC has given her this opportunity so that she can feed her children," noted Timur Ibakov. Ibakov also added that, in future, the IRCC intends to continue its search of Saidaev's location.