HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONDEMNS HOSTAGE TAKING IN MOSCOW

24 October 2002



The following statement was issued today by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello:

The High Commissioner for Human Rights condemns in the strongest possible terms the taking of hostages in Moscow last night. He is deeply concerned about the safety of the hostages and expresses his empathy and solidarity with the hostages and their families. Hostage taking, wherever and by whomever committed, is an illegal act aimed at the destruction of human rights and is, whatever the cause, unjustifiable. Human rights must be respected at all times and by everyone.

The High Commissioner urges that all the hostages be released immediately and without any preconditions.



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