RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: RUSSIAN PRISONERS FACE DEATH

(22 Dec 1994) Russian/Nat Nineteen Russian soldiers are facing death if the Russian bombardment of Grozny continues. The Chechen president has threatened to hang one soldier for every Russian air raid. This compound is next to Grozny's Presidential Palace, frequently targeted by Russian bombers. Ironically, the compound is also home for 19 Russian prisoners. The men - five officers and 14 privates - were captured December 11, at the start of the war, on the border with neighbouring Dagestan. They say they're being well treated, although they're concerned about what Moscow's doing to get them released. SOUNDBITE: (Translation from Russian) "I'm not afraid of what happens to me here because this is where I am. All my thoughts are about how I can get out of here or how they'll (the Russians) get me out, but I can't go home. Of course, it's better to die in my homeland" SUPER CAPTION: Lt. Col. Vitally Serogin, 3671 Interior Ministry Brigade The prisoners get the same rations as their Chechen guards - who are all members of the Presidential bodyguard. While the President's threat to start hanging prisoners hasn't yet been carried out, any further escalation of the Russian bombardment could risk these captives' lives. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...