Appeal of Telengit Indigenous Communities from the Altai Republic

Association of Telengit Indigenous Communities from the mountains of the Altai Republic calls to the President of Russia Mr. Medvedev, to the Prime-Minister Mr.Putin and to the Chief Prosecutor of Russian Federation Mr. Chaika calling to express their opinion on the tragedy caused by VIP-poaching from the helicopter on Argali in the mountains of the Altai. Indigenous People, who treat Argali as Sacred Animal, confirm their concern that the circumstances of this tragedy are not investigated and the whole case is kept closed from public, and criticize silence, neglect and lack of action from the authorities who are in the position to defend the law.

Full text of the appeal from Telengit Indigenous Communities is translated below.

To the President of Russian Federation
Mr. D.A.Medvedev

To the Prime Minister of Russian Federation,
The Chairman of “United Russia” Party
Mr. V.V.Putin

To the Chief Prosecutor of Russian Federation
Mr. Yu.A.Chaika

Appeal

Association of Telengit Indigenous communities “Ere-Chui” (Sacred Chui) of Kosh-Agach district Tos-Torgoo expresses deepest condolence to relatives and friends of those who were killed in the tragic accident that took place early this year in Kosh-Agach district as a result of Mi-171 helicopter crash which led to death of seven people.

The situation that caused such terrible consequences got enormous response in the society, especially after the details of the catastrophe appeared in press and media.

It is known for certain that the VIP officials of the federal and regional level were hunting right from the helicopter on Argali, the species included in the Red Data Book and considered sacred by the Altai people. In relation to this a number of Altai Republic NGOs made an appeal to the President of Russian Federation Mr. D.A.Medvedev, raising a number of questions on investigation of this case. Association “Ere-Chui” approves this appeal and fully supports the requests expressed in that document. On behalf of our district public we strongly oppose the criminal act in itself, and express our concern on the lack of any official position from the first persons of the state. We strongly disagree with the actions of the republican authorities that are targeted to alteration and conceal of the true facts. We strongly criticize the silence from federal and republican NGOs, namely the Public Chamber of Russian Federation and the Public Chamber of the Altai Republic. We express our distrust to the El-Bashchi of the Altai Republic and Zaisan of Altai Republic, and demand in our turn:

- from the President of Russian Federation Mr. D.A.Medvedev, as the guarantee of the Russian Constitution, to express his firm position on this case.

- from the law enforcement bodies of Russian Federation:

1. To undertake detailed investigation of this criminal case;
2. To make liable all those individuals who are guilty;
3. To share information on the measures taken and on the process of criminal investigation via press and media.

Kosh-Agach settlement

30^th January 2009

Signatures

Association of Telengit Indigenous Communities “Ere-Chui” (Sacred Chui) Chairman	R.M.Tadyrov
“Mool-Millenium” Community Chairman	V.B.Yakoyakov
“Tozyn-Too” Community Chairman	S.S.Tadyrov
“Otok” Community Chairman	E.N.Burbuyev
“Kabai Beltir” Community Chairman	Ch.S.Sabulakov
“Kaan Kurai” Community Chairman	O.V.Yeldepov
“Edelweiss” Community Chairman	S.S.Sablakov
“Irbis-Tuu” Community Chairman	A.T.Tailenkhunov
“Ailan” Community Chairman	S.A.Knyazev
“Mezhelik” Community Chairman	A.A.Shonkhorov
Aga-Zaisan of Kosh Agach district Telengit People	A.V.Yedeshev

Original text of this appeal is published in Russian.

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