STRASBOURG 25-04-2001 - The Council of Europe Monday published the first official list of more than 300 alleged crimes against civilians in Chechnya since Russia launched its 17-month-old military campaign in the separatist republic. The list is taken from a 30-page document prepared by a Russian working group that included seven representatives of the parliamentary assembly and 10 legislators chosen by the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament. The group met in Moscow on March 21 and 22.

The Council of Europe listed 329 cases investigated by military and civilian prosecutors.

It said 64 of these were investigated by civilian prosecutors and concern actions by soldiers against Chechen civilians during Russia's "anti-terrorist operation" in Chechnya that began in October 1999.

Only seven cases were judged by military tribunals. Five of these resulted in convictions -- for involuntary homicide, traffic accidents leading to death, and unauthorized shooting.

The 43-member Council of Europe serves primarily as the continent's human rights watchdog.

Agence France Presse