Ingush Leader Threatens To 'Punish' Relatives Of Insurgents

The leader of Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia has threatened to enact measures that would "punish" the relatives of members of illegal armed groups in the republic if they fail to persuade their loved ones to quit the Islamic insurgency.

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov said he would distribute the photos of terrorist suspects across the republic so that the relatives of victims could retaliate against the suspects' families.

He also warned that the authorities in Ingushetia may be forced to allow traditional blood feuds to be carried out if the relatives of insurgents are unable to persuade their sons or brothers to return to a normal life.

Yevkurov said on May 27 that anyone who quits the insurgency and turns himself in to the authorities will receive a minimal jail term.

Based on reporting by Interfax and kavkaz-uzel.ru