Today one of federal channels broadcast a story of approximately 20 Verhniy Ufaley citizens of Chelyabinsk Region forced to live in an emergency dwelling with crumbling foundation, collapsing facade and walls covered with mould. At first, citizens were suggested to demolish the house at their own expense and when they protested the authorities decided to subject the house to major repairs. However, for relocation, the owners were provided with even less comfortable housing options - to move to temporary public housing, which is in fact dormitories located far out of town. The journalists also report that hot water in the house was cut off in order to put pressure on citizens. After heating radiators were switched off, the officials sent out warnings urging the citizens to think about their children living in improper living conditions. The text of the warnings says that if the remaining residents don’t move out, guardianship authorities will take care of their children. 

The Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia instructed the Central Office of the Committee to request materials from the Regional Investigations Directorate for examination and possible procedural decisions based on jurisdiction of investigative units of the Investigative Committee of Russia.

 

Official spokesperson for the Investigative Committee of Russia S. Petrenko