The situation of human rights defenders in the Caucasian Republics, particularly in Dagestan and Ingushetia, remained of particular concern in 2008. More than in any other region, defenders were prosecuted, arrested or executed under the guise of the fight against terrorism. As a result, Mr. Mustapa Abdurakhmanov, a member of the NGO “Mothers of Dagestan for Human Rights,” was found dead on October 30 in Makhachkala. Mr. Abdurakhmanov was tortured and then shot in the head. Witnesses reportedly saw members of the security forces arresting him. As of late 2008, no investigation had been opened to identify those responsible for his murder. To justify his arrest, authorities claimed that Mr. Abdurakhmanov was part of an “illegal armed group.”