29 October 2002

The Editor
The Times
1 Pennington Street
London
E98 1XY

Dear Sir,
Re: "Putin Is Forced Into Human Rights Limelight", by Libby Purves

We are writing to express our appreciation for publishing the above article (29 October) about the long Chechen struggle for independence and the massive human rights violations, including child rape, torture and mutilation, that Russian troops are perpetrating on a daily basis in the republic of Chechnya.

The author, Libby Purves, showed a welcome understanding of how the "casual, arrogant abuse" inflicted on the civilian Chechen population is proving to be wholly counterproductive.

We hope your paper will continue to call for a negotiated and peaceful settlement in Chechnya and not be among those who have turned a blind eye to the atrocities being committed there.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Inayat Bunglawala
Secretary,
Media Committee,
The Muslim Council of Britain