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Question:
Omar! You on yourselves have tested horrors of the Russian filtration camps;
observed mass destruction of people. Tell us, in what you were engaged in the
besieged Chechen capital?
Omar:
I was not the passive observer, and in every possible way tried to help those
people, who suffer from this war. First of all, I founded a hospital of
collective of voluntary doctors in Grozny. All that was happening then in
Grozny, it was really a horror! Daily due to intensive Russian bombardments,
peaceful inhabitants, who stayed in Grozny, were being killed. They, on our
calculations, were more than hundred thousand persons: these are those, who
tried to keep their centers, and at the same time tried to keep their lives in
such conditions. Thus, they became hostages of that aggressive policy, which was
carried out by Russia in the Chechen Republic. As I told earlier, from daily
bombardments and shelling were killed all living beings. Most, perhaps, terrible
for us was to see condition of the people, who were victim of vacuum bombs as
though they were hiding to avoid the explosions of these bombs in cellars of
houses and shelters. Thus we only ascertained our powerlessness and
impossibility but somehow to assist the tormented people, who appeared in
operative range of vacuum bombs.
There
were days when above city was formed continuous «roof» of flying shells and
bombs, and at times it seemed, that already anything alive around is not present.
But people crept out from shelters, and we started to render feasible medical
aid. The qualified help, we could not render, - used that, that is, frequently
improvised means. We saw many killed people and including old men, women and
children, who did not want to leave the city, though we very much persuaded by
them. Each of the staying persons thought, that after a capture of city, whether
they will be treated by Russian armies as human beings or not. Many
townspeople could not manage to live till arrival of the Russian armies, and it
was happiness for victims, because fate of those, who survived and got in paws
of Russian special services, was awful. More than 80% of our patients were
peaceful citizens, and among them – 50% were Russian. These facts evidently
speak about a picture that happened then in Grozny. To recollect this everything,
again to experience was very hardly, now at all having no force to see it.
Question:
When and under what circumstances you, your medical staff and patients have
fallen into clutches of Russian special services?
Omar:
Twice our hospital was exposed to bombardment by Russian aircraft. We kept up to
the last. But at the same time, we could not throw peaceful wounded people, and
further to stay in city was extremely dangerous. Our command has made the
decision to recede from the surrounded city. We together with wounded decided to
evacuate. Together with us, there were also peaceful inhabitants, there was a
mixed crowd, there were wounded, military and peaceful inhabitants. At the
approach to Alkhan-Kala, we got in ambush, and there many wounded and peaceful
inhabitants were lost. The most part of our patient «group» was able to exit.
It was from January 30 till January 31. February 1, we came in Alkhan-Kala.
There was a hospital, where all medical staff and wounded settled down. We were
about hundred persons. In the morning, February 2, federal forces surrounded
Alkhan-Kala, and we with wounded and peaceful inhabitants were captured.
During
the day, we were held in buses, and only at night, we were taken out from
Alkhan-Kala. We were accompanied with massive number of armored vehicles that
spoke about premeditation and readiness of this action. It was promised to us,
that we will be taken to Urus-Martanov hospital, but we felt that the case is
not so. Our doubts proved to be correct and at 3 o'clock in the morning on
February 3, we were brought to Duba-Yurt. We then were 76 wounded and 18 medical
staff members. When we began to get off, and many were unable to move, soldiers
threw many them out from the bus directly on the ground, and on snow. But the
most terrible, that I ever observed, was, when the wounded with bleeding
extremities were beaten by Russian soldiers with boots and butts directly on
bleeding wounds. This was horrifying picture when, thus, the exhausted and
profusely bleeding person were forced to rise from the ground.
When
people are killed with an inanimate bomb or shell, it somehow is clear, but is
completely inexplicable, when soldiers beat bleeding profusely wounded people,
and hits are put on the sore points, on wounds. Thus, we appeared in a smelly
hole of enormous cold premise. In my opinion, it was a vegetable storehouse. The
next morning we were not counted up to six persons, as others appeared dead. As
the reason of there death has served provision of medical aid and the brutal
attitude of federal armies. The further attitude to us was the most severe. When
I, indignant of that what occur, with rather sharp tone addressed to the officer
representing inspector of the Office of Public Prosecutor, this «peaceful
officer» answered me very briefly, quietly and distinctly: you, Chechen, who
are subject to destruction! As this phrase was told, I said, all, I did not have
any illusions about our safety. I have understood, that we will be tortured and
killed, and anybody for this lawlessness will not carry any responsibility.
Further, I was repeatedly interrogated, in which in rather rough form was
explained to me, that I do not have any rights, and that if someone hopes for
any court or justice, that is quite mistaken. In general, I was told, that your
case would not reach any court at all. «Whether you heard about Stalin’s
troika? And so three persons will solve your destiny.
And
may be it also not happen. When you went here, you simply could not reach, the
submachine gunner could shoot down you at any attempt of flight, and there you
prove» … So our chief explained to me a situation. Once I was taken for
execution. The submachine gunner going ahead of me has sharply departed aside,
and I stopped. From behind, I heard the click of bolt of automatic devices. It
became terrible for me: It was the strongest stress in my life. I understood,
that it is the end. The unique idea, which has come to my mind at that moment, -
to cry out «Allah Akbar!» But at all that because I thought my self to be a
hero, the patriot, - but simply for me nothing was left to do. But the command
has suddenly followed: - Walk further! - And I understood, that it was imitation
of execution. The most terrible for us, prisoners, was when during night, we
heard heart-breaking shouts of tortured people. Such psychological torture is
more terrible, than physical because you are in the extremely nervous pressure.
In
such condition, you can not neither have a rest nor to have a sleep, and you
pursued constantly with an idea, that soon you will have to suffer the same
torture, and you should share fate of unfortunate people. This all is very
hardly transferred. You know, that passing through all this, in general vanishes
the desire to live. Thus, federal armies will carry out tortures and tortures
practically above each Chechen, who has got in their paws. The Chechen, who has
tested psychological torture, burns one passionate desire to revenge for himself,
for friends and for relatives. The mentality of Chechens is thus. Very
frequently, the despaired Chechens do not find anything the best as having blown
up themselves to revenge Russian. I know many people, who have survived to
revenge. It is explosion of national anger! And now the revenge is a unique
purpose of their remaining life. Nobody can stop Chechen, if attack is made on
his honor and integrity.
Question:
You, as a doctor, can explain irrepressible cruelty and brutality of Russian
military men and politicians? How and with what is possible to explain this
really Russian phenomenon?
Omar:
I am a doctor, but not the psychiatrist, and for the psychiatrist this, as you
precisely named «Russian phenomenon», is difficult to explain. When we worked
in Grozny hospital, and always before, for us was one immutable law: to treat
all people without dependence for their national, religious and other belonging.
If Russian got wound, whether he is soldier or civil; he became simple person
for us, ordinary patient, and we treated him precisely just as Chechen. When we,
doctors, with the wounded patients appeared in hands of Russian in filtration
camp, I frequently thought why they do not behave us as we treated Russian?
Really among federals were those, who guard, there was not present any normal
person? Besides, the most sad was that Russian doctor participated in these
tortures and mockeries at us. Imagine this blasphemy! After that I have drawn a
conclusion that, probably, I shall never regret for Russians. But time passed,
and I could not become same severe as they were. Later in mountains, I treated
Russian soldiers. This cruelty for Russian is in their genes, this severe
heritage seems to me, is illness. Russian is deprived of feelings of pity. I
also explain their cruelty, their low level of culture, and morals.
Question:
I heard that you, being in filtration camp, have carried out amputation of
extremities with the help of an edge of safety razor. Is it the truth?
Omar:
Yes, there was such a case. The guy was killed because his blood vessel of a
hand was damaged. There has come a gangrene of the top extremity. Besides
fractured bone, the temperature rose up and situation was critical. If
immediately was not made amputation of finiteness, there could come lethal
outcome. When we asked for the help of Russian officer, we except abuse have not
heard anything: «Let him die» - the answer was. In these circumstances, we
decided to collect all available to us things and improvised means in pockets.
Have washed bandage, as with somebody were found anesthetics, the edge of the
razor was found, and we began operation.
Periodically
warming up on candle for disinfections of an edge, for drawing the blood vessels,
threads were extracted from linen, and we amputated a hand. Operation has passed
successfully. But for the second day, Russian military men tried to accuse us
that we were engaged in organs infections. But we knew beforehand, that from
themselves represent the Russian officers and their ability on meanness, have
made the report of operation and indication to operation. This paper was signed
by all of our doctors, including I. These preventive measures have fenced off us
from the accusations, which are put forward against us. Thus, we have rescued
life of this guy. He now is alive and healthy.
Question:
You told many things including tribune of the United Nations about
application of the weapon of mass destruction. You could tell particularly about
a principle of action of a vacuum bomb and its consequences for people?
Omar:
It is not a secret for anybody that vacuum bombs very much frequently were
applied during bombardments in the Chechen Republic, but most frequently in
Grozny, we concerned this question in the beginning of conversation. The vacuum
bomb puts the greatest loss to people, who are taking place in closed premises,
cellars, bombproof shelters etc. The bomb puts very big damages to organism of
the person: The body and practically entire body of the person, first of all - a
liver and a spleen is damaged. The created compression shakes all organism of
the person. If the person appeared in immediate proximity actions of a bomb, we,
physicians we speak, that such patient does not represent «interest» for
medicine as we with nothing can help him. For comparison, it is necessary to
imagine the following picture. Imagine a frog swallowed by the snake, and a bit
later somehow throws it back. All interiors and bones of this frog are damaged,
though with outward look, it seems to be the whole. In the West after my
testimony about application of vacuum bomb, the term «frog body» has appeared.
Those people, who appeared outside of epicenter of explosion, fell ill not with
clear fever. We could not understand the reason of this disease. Appeared, that
cells of skin of the person are damaged with fission of air completely and
collapse.
In
8-10 hours begins decomposition of the struck cells and products of
disintegration, - toxins are soaked up in blood and temperature of the body
raises. Then kidneys and liver lose functioning, and as a result there comes
death of the person. Survived people are necessary to treat in well-equipped
hospitals. It is long and expensive process with application of artificial
bodies: kidneys and liver. But in field conditions result of action of vacuum
bomb is hundred-per-cent death rate. This bomb is not intended for destruction
of precise target as like to be expressed by Russians, for any militarized
formations, but for massive destruction of many peaceful people. Taking a case,
I responsibly would like to declare application in the Chechen Republic by
Russian armies of the chemical weapon. There are results of three commissions
confirming this fact. The chemical weapon was applied in Nozhai-Yurtov, Vedeno
districts and in the settlement Starie Atagi. The chemical weapon was applied
also in the first Chechen war, for that there were numerous evidences.
Question:
Omar, tell, how happened your release?
Omar:
Doctor always was untouchable object, certainly, when concern the normal enemy.
But also in this case my professional belonging, probably, has played a main
role. Humanitarian and Human Right organizations such as «Red Cross», «Doctors
without borders», «International Amnesty» have sounded the alarm concerning
us. Second for us was very much lucky moments … there is such businessman from
Moscow, Malik Saidullayev, who arrived to Chechen Republic to be appointed on a
post of the prime minister of Chechen Republic. Our citizens also put forward
the demand for release of the seized Chechen doctors, if he applies for a post
of the head of the Chechen Republic. After Duba-Yurtov filtration camp, I was
transferred to prison of Federal Security Service (FSB) in Gudermes, then in
CIZO, where in interrogations, I was demanded that to confess that I have
requested to president Maskhadov for my exchange with Russian officers. I for
long explained to workers of FSB that I am not a criminal, but doctor, and
offered exchange is not lawful. When thus the exchange has not taken place, they
let me out, may be due to demand of Malik Saidullayev, and probably that has
paid the repayment, precisely I cannot tell. After my release, in one week, were
released my subordinates, and medical staff of 17 persons as concerning them
already I insisted. But during the release, to me was not returned any of my
documents, and it meant, that they can arrest me on the spot again, imprison or
shoot …
Question:
Whereas how did you manage to leave for exit from limits of Chechen Republic
and abroad?
Omar:
I do not think, that it is such a big problem for the Chechen.
Question:
How it seems to you, what Russia will achieve in the Chechen Republic?
Omar:
I do not think, that they can achieve something concrete over there. Simply
Russian cannot stop madness, which have begun. All goes on inertia. And war of
Russia was necessary «to give birth» to the president. «Births» have taken
place, but the ugly creature was born, now there is no hardest postnatal
complication, which will be delayed for a long time, it is possible - on a
century.
Question:
In your opinion, bloody massacre in the Chechen Republic will result in what?
Omar:
War, as well as any other misfortune, unites people, and unequivocally war will
be finished by victory of Chechen people. If earlier and even during rule of
Maskhadov, there were among Chechens people gravitating to Russia, now those are
not present except Kadyrov with Gantamirov.
Question:
But there is an opinion of some people asserting, that if Chechens will stop
resistance, Russia will cease to destroy Chechen people. What do you think of it?
Omar:
Radically incorrect opinion! That is the case, that those Chechens, who would
like to remain away from event, first of all they will suffer and those who do
not resist, - they will be killed more, than ours fighters. Because the military
person is somehow protected, in addition his death is more worthy, because he is
killed for the ground, for people, for the family. Protection of these values is
a sacred duty of any decent citizen of the Chechen Republic. The bad, and rash
policy of Russia has incited all Chechen people against itself, and wishing to
remain in the side, first of all are doomed for destruction by Russian bandits.
Confirming the reasons, I can put some examples. In mountains, there are some
settlements, which did not render practically any resistance to Russian. From
these villages, nobody wished to rise in lines of the Chechen resistance, and
even heads of local administrations boasted of it. Also what for? Russian maraud,
plunder, kill, force, and torture first of all inhabitants of these, so to say
the peaceful, and unprotected villages. Example for that served the events in
village Shuani, Nozhai-Yurtov district. But those settlements, which have
provided many Chechen fighters, Russian marauders, bypass the side, as they know
that there will be punishment of the Chechen groups for them in response. By the
way, Russians perfectly know how many fighters are at war in the Chechen groups
from this or that settlement.
Question:
I Want to put to you rather difficult question: How do you see the future of
the Chechen Republic?
Omar:
For me, it at all is not so difficult question. And we Chechens, and all worlds
were convinced that Chechen Republic should be the free and independent state!
The actions of Chechens have shown, that we are not citizens of Russia, and
Russia’s actions has proved to all world, that it is another's country for
Chechens, that Russia in relation to Chechen Republic is foreign state, which
made aggression. All actions of Russian speak that Chechens either should be
completely destroyed, or freedom and independence should be given to them, -
there is no third option! Unfortunately, the level of thinking of the West
cannot realize and explain for itself this amazing fact, therefore this fact is
unacceptable for them. But nevertheless this fact remains the fact: - Russia the
second time loses military campaign in the Chechen Republic.
Question:
We shall distract from the main theme. There can be you heard that Alla Dudayeva,
Shamsuddin Akhmadov and I are going to enter the Transnational Radical party.
What do you know about this party and what do you think in this occasion. Omar:
It is very known party, having the deserved authority and weight in the world.
As it appears from its name, that it is national and intercontinental party. The
most important is, that this party does not pursue interests of so-called «all
for strong of the world». Members of TRP - are people, who look at the world
very soberly and objectively. When in Strasbourg, I got acquainted with
leadership of this party and personally with secretary general of TRP, I heard
that what I never heard in protection of Chechens from any Human Right Activist
organizations. On a background of frank hypocrisy of leadership of the European
community, the various international humanitarian organizations, actions of TRP
are real Human Rights Watch. They very sharply and safely put a question of
recognition of the Chechen Republic, and this question always is on the first
place. For me as a Chechen, they have given the highest tribune in Rome, in
Brussels, in Strasbourg and even in United Nations. Marko Panelli, Emma Bonino
and, certainly, Olive Depyui make body of this party.
These
are very courageous, resolute people, who for the truth and justice will stand
up to the end. I very much appreciate and welcome your intention to enter this
party. I believe, that leadership of TRP will meet you, owing to importance of
the Chechen question. I think, that your activity in this party will be
extremely fruitful and extremely useful to the Chechen people. Somehow, the
opportunity to act on the Swiss TV, where I have told about a catastrophic
situation in the Chechen republic in connection with absence of medicines and
the humanitarian help, was presented to me. After my speech, the government of
Switzerland has allocated medicines for the Chechen Republic in quantity of
seven thousand tons! But all this help was distributed through the Ministry of
Emergency Measures of Russia, from which has been given very little to Chechen
people.
Practically all help intended for Chechens, on 99,9% is left in the
Russian army. I have the earnest request to all those wishing to help Chechens:
do not direct the help intended for Chechens through the Russian or puppet
organizations and furthermore through Russian military men, but give such help
directly to Chechen people as that is given, for example, by Danish Humanitarian
organization. Otherwise all this help will leave in pockets of unscrupulous
officials, and Russian army killing the Chechen people.
Question:
Omar, at last, - what is your message for battling Chechen people?
Omar:
Today I, to tell the truth, am very ashamed that I am not among those people,
and am compelled to be outside of my country. But nevertheless, I want to tell,
that in my heart and soul, I always with my people, and never this feeling left
me. With all my heart, I feel all that is occurring there. Today my Native land
is in intolerable difficulty, but in spite of anything, our people are not
divided and continue to battle. What monstrous provocations and hearsays are not
spread by special services of Russia with the purpose to divide our people, our
leaders to oppose the president and commanders, the president and people? But
all this will not result in anything for Russian. And I think, all these
attempts will fail, for the truth is on the side of protected Chechen people. I
would like to address to commanders of the Chechen divisions: Never trust
hearsays, and speculations of special services of Russia. It is «fitna» -
intrigues of enemies with the purpose of split of Chechen nation and battling
fighters. But all people cannot be brave and courageous, - every person has
peculiar human weakness. I have sufficient information from the Chechen Republic
and I would like to tell such people, who have departed struggle because of
unsuitability of time and inaccuracy of such steps, that the arising situation
in the near future would bring benefit for Chechen people and victory will be
ours!
Omar,
thank you very much for sparing your precious time for the meeting and
substantial conversation.
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