A group which investigates torture and disappearances in Chechnya has been awarded the Front Line Defenders Award in Dublin.
The founder of the Joint Mobile Group of the Russian Federation, Igor Kalyapin was presented with the human rights defenders at risk award at a ceremony in City Hall.
Presenting the award, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson said the group's work was an inspirational example of how committed individuals can hold the line in defence of justice, truth and the rule of law, despite all the pressures that are brought to bear on them.
'It is the denial of access to justice that enables tyrants to prevail,' she said.
That is why the work of human rights defenders like the Joint Mobile Group is so important,' she added.
The accolade is awarded annually to one human rights defender who has made an outstanding contribution to the cause of human rights.
The group was awarded because of their work investigating political killings and disappearances in Chechnya - killings which are believed to be carried out with the complicity of forces loyal to President Ramzan Kadyrov.
The Joint Mobile Group comprises legal and communications experts from different parts of the Russian Federation who travel to Chechnya whenever there is an incident of human rights abuse.
They travel with CCTV cameras which enable them to collect evidence and interview survivors and witnesses for use in subsequent prosecutions.
Accepting the award, Igor Kalyapin said: 'The Front Line Award sends a message to the authorities that we are not alone and in our hour of need there are people who will stand by us.
'It is also a message of solidarity and support to the human rights community in Chechnya,' he added.
