38 CPT: 12TH GENERAL REPORT It is axiomatic that one of the most effective means of preventing ill-treatment of persons deprived of their liberty lies in the diligent examination by the relevant authorities of all complaints of such treatment brought before them and, where appropriate, the imposition of a suitable penalty. This will have a very strong deterrent effect. Conversely, if the relevant authorities do not take effective action upon complaints referred to them, those minded to ill-treat persons deprived of their liberty will quickly come to believe that they can act with impunity. It is therefore not only legitimate but even essential that the CPT, a body set up with a view to strengthening the protection of persons deprived of their liberty from torture and other forms of ill-treatment, take a direct interest in the activities of the authorities empowered to conduct official investigations and bring criminal charges in cases involving allegations of ill-treatment. In the light of the Russian authorities’ reply, it is also necessary to recall what is meant in Article 2 of the Convention by the expression “any place within [a State’s] jurisdiction where persons are deprived of their liberty by a public authority”. Such a place may be a formally established and recognised detention facility; it may also be a railway carriage, a van, a shed, a garage, a warehouse, or any other improvised facility used by members of a public authority for the purpose of depriving someone of their liberty. The CPT’s mandate and its powers under the Convention cover the treatment of persons while they are deprived of their liberty in any such place. * * * The CPT is fully aware of the extremely difficult and perilous circumstances confronting the Russian authorities as a result of the conflict in the Chechen Republic and has kept those circumstances constantly in mind. The CPT is also aware that grave crimes and abuses have been committed by combatants opposing the Russian forces; those acts should be strongly condemned. However, State authorities must never allow their response to such a situation to degenerate into acts of torture or other forms of ill-treatment; to refrain from resorting to such acts - and to take active steps to stamp them out when they emerge - is one of the hallmarks of a democratic State. In ratifying the major human rights instruments of the Council of Europe, the Russian Federation has demonstrated that it subscribes to the above-mentioned principle. Bearing that in mind, the CPT calls upon the Russian authorities to work in a constructive manner with the Committee in the context of its activities in the Chechen Republic. The Russian authorities have always shown good co-operation as regards security and transport arrangements during the CPT's visits to the Chechen Republic; the same level of co-operation should apply as regards the action taken upon the Committee's findings and recommendations. The CPT regrets that it was found necessary to make this public statement. The Committee hopes that it will stimulate the efforts of both parties - acting in co-operation - to strengthen the protection of persons deprived of their liberty in the Chechen Republic from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The CPT remains fully committed to continuing its dialogue with the Russian authorities.