< Magomed Mutsolgov – Ingushetia is head of MASHR, Ingushetia´s first human
rights organisation. MASHR has been offering free legal advice and assistance
on cases involvinG disappearances, extrajudicial executions and torture since
its founding in 2005.
<
Vanja ĆaloviĆ – Montenegro is head of the anti corruption organisation
MANS in Montenegro. MANS is involved in investigating some of the most
powerful criminals in the country and their dealings with politicians
and state institutions.
Photo: Tina Axelsson
How was 2013 for you in Ingushetia?
Magomed Mutsolgov: It was one of the most difficult years for our organisation. On
two occasions in 2013 representatives from the justice and tax authorities searched
our organisation. A subsequent warning was issued to us stating that the organisation
could be considered for a shutdown if it refuses to register as a foreign agent.
What were the major challenges faced by you in 2013 and what
do you foresee as being the challenges in 2014?
How was 2013 for you in Montenegro?
Magomed Mutsolgov: One of our biggest challenges is that the authorities continue
Vanja Ćalović: 2013 was a very challenging year for us in Montenegro. Different forms
to discredit our organisation and that we have limited resources to actively continue to
defend human rights in one of the most repressed societies in the world.
of violence against what the authorities deem as ”enemies of the regime” such as anticorruption activists for example, continued and pressure increased.
What were the main developments in Ingushetia during 2013?
What were the major challenges faced by you in 2013 and what do
you foresee as being the challenges in 2014?
Magomed Mutsolgov: The most significant moment was that not a single one of my
colleagues was murdered and so we were able to continue our work. Another notable
event was the failure of the authorities to vote on the closing of independent NGOs that
receive funding from foreign donors, which gave us another break.
Vanja Ćalović: The first challenge was to protect the identity of people reporting cases
of corruption to us. Whistle-blowe