RUSSIAN MFA ON TREATMENT OF FORMER GUANTANAMO

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 000154

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PINR KDGR PTER KJUS RS
SUBJECT: RUSSIAN MFA ON TREATMENT OF FORMER GUANTANAMO
DETAINEES

REF: STATE 4880

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Alice G. Wells;
reason 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) We met with Artem Kudoyarov, Deputy Director in the
MFA's North America Department, to convey reftel concerns
about reports that the GOR has denied critical medical care
to Rasul Kudaev, a former detainee at the Guantanamo
detention center currently in Russian custody. In addition
to referencing accusations of mistreatment contained in a
December 2008 report by the N.Y.-based Human Rights Watch, we
noted the USG's general humanitarian interest in the
post-transfer treatment of all Guantanamo detainees,
particularly given the January 22 decision by President Obama
to close Guantanamo within the next 12 months. We also
expressed concern over reports of the possible mistreatment
of Timur Ishmuratov and Ravil Gumarov, convicted in May 2006
of sabotaging a gas line in Tatarstan.


2. (C) Kudoyarov promised to inquire with the Russian
Federal Prison Service as to Kudaev's physical condition and
to see if a visit by an independent doctor would be possible.
Kudoyarov asked what we meant by an "independent" doctor and
we responded one not associated with the prison and chosen by
Kudaev's family. He also inquired if the U.S. was opposed to
the Russian government trying Kudaev for his suspected
involvement in the October 13-14, 2005 attack by militants on
government buildings in Nalchik. Fifty-eight men are
currently on trial in Nalchik for this attack, in which 141
people died. We reinforced the need for a fair and
transparent legal process and again stressed our concern over
Kudaev's treatment during three years of pre-trial detention
and his immediate need for medical care.
BEYRLE