Lena Patyaeva, arrested for picketing, was released from a special detention center. 

In St. Petersburg came out Lena Patyaeva was released from a special detention center. She was arrested for 10 days for a picket on November 27 in memory of her friend Seda Suleimanova. She held a sign that read, "You sent her to her death. Live with it." The protest counted repeated violation of anti-rally legislation. 

For over two years, Lena Patyaeva has been trying to secure an investigation into the disappearance of her friend, Seda Suleimanova. The girl fled Chechnya, attempting to escape a forced marriage and fearing an honor killing. But in 2023, Chechen security forces abducted her from her apartment in St. Petersburg. 

Nothing has been heard of her since. According to human rights activists, she was handed over to relatives and killed. A criminal case for the murder was opened only last year, but no investigation is underway. 

Honor killings are still considered the norm in the North Caucasus. Why authorities turn a blind eye to this systemic practice and what can be done to help these girls—in material "NotMoscow".

Photo: "A Word in Defense."