Kalmykia Police Comment on Slavery Allegation

A resident of Rostov Oblast reported that she was freed from slavery in Kalmykia, where she allegedly became a victim of sexual violence.

According to the woman named Margarita (name changed), at the train station in Rostov, she was recruited for work on a farm by a resident of Kalmykia, who then took her to the republic and held her against her will for a month.

On the farm, it is alleged that a relative of the owner raped her. Margarita was helped to escape by her common-law husband and volunteers.

After her release, the woman attempted to file a rape report at the local police department in Kalmykia, but did not receive a registration ticket. Later, she was told over the phone that no such appeal had been made.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) directorate for the republic denied receiving any statements from this citizen. «No appeals from the specified citizen, including regarding unlawful actions against her, have been received by the internal affairs bodies of Kalmykia,» the department stated.

MVD internal security officers conducted a check on the actions of colleagues from the department where Margarita tried to file the report. Its results were not made public, as they were transferred to investigative bodies for procedural resolution.

In late December, an administrative case was initiated against the woman under the article on abuse of freedom of mass information for knowingly false reporting, and the materials were sent to court.

The Investigative Committee (SK) of Kalmykia stated its desire to invite Margarita for a personal meeting, but noted that she does not answer calls or messages. The materials on her appeal have been sent to the local SK department, where investigative measures are being conducted.