full version - World Organisation Against Torture

Russiatence that were shaped in the Soviet period reflect neitherpsychological nor physiological features inherent in women,i.e., women are kept as men or, more precisely, as certainaveraged-out human beings without regard to sexual, agerelated,or other characteristics.” 72This problem is evidenced by the failure of the Russian government toissue hygienic materials for women who are menstruating. Thus, it hasbeen reported that women try to find other ways to meet their hygienicneeds, such as using technological cotton found at factories, clothes ormattresses as tampons. Medical experts note that these homemade solutionscan cause serious problems for women’s health. 735.2 Violence Against Women Human Rights DefendersWomen human rights activists have also been subject to harassment inRussia. One example is Soldiers’ Mothers of St. Petersburg, who reporton the conditions for soldiers in the Russian army and also teach soldiershow to observe the laws and Constitution of Russia. This organization hasbeen harassed through measures to close down their offices and allegationsthat their activities do not correspond with their “status.” 74 Thesegovernment actions obstruct the important work of this organization.Also, in Chechnya, Malika Oumzhayeva, the ex-administrative head ofthe Alkhan-Kala, Grozny district, was shot to death by Russian soldierson the night of November 29, 2002. It has been reported that she waskilled shortly after meeting with the delegation from the EuropeanCommittee for the Prevention of Torture. Human rights organizationshave observed that Ms. Oumzhayeva defended the interests and rights ofthe local people in her district and allege that she was killed precisely forthese activities. 75Another woman activist was killed in May 2003 along with 4 members ofher family in the village of Kalinovskoe, district of Naourski. ZouraBitieva was well known for her anti-war activities throughout the first andsecond war in Chechnya, having participated in many demonstrationsagainst the war and having brought complaints before the European Courtof Human Rights concerning human rights violations by the Russian military.Because of her activities, her family had received multiple threats315