[Due to the recent circumstances Oppression.org is republishing this article - original publication date 1999]

The situation in Chechnya is quite complicated. Years of Soviet occupation of this former "break-away" province have taken their toll on the people of the area. Communistic influences still pervade the province, and unfortunately, citizens of Chechnya are plagued by internal division as well as revamped Russian policy. The plight the people of Chechnya is rarely reported from any reputable news source outside of the region - sadly, oppressed peoples half a world away do not appeal to the media organizations or their respective audiences.

The population of Chechnya continually suffers on a regular basis due to what can only be described as a newfound desire for religion. The idealistic Islamic movements in this province have been perceived as a threat by hard-line political leaders, and as a result, the religious masses have been "corrected." 

This pattern of religious oppression is not unique to Chechnya; Russian influence in Southwestern Asia (also areas of Muslim majority) has ushered in a new era of hidden oppression - Chechnya is one of the most blatantly abused areas and is argued by some to be the most deserving of publicity because of horrendous human rights abuses. Of course, internal strife and idealistic disagreements sow the seeds of rebellion and dissent within the province, and this serves to exacerbate an already volatile situation.

Until the global community is willing to recognize the atrocious crimes precipitated by a once-prominent world power, its carefully conscripted landlords, and the revolutionaries within the borders of Chechnya, the plight of the impoverished and dejected people in this area will remain of the world's most carefully kept secrets.