19 March 2019, 20:28
Imam Makhmud Velitov asks to transfer him to civilian hospital
Imam Makhmud Velitov, sentenced for justifying terrorism, is hospitalized, reports the Department for the Astrakhan Region of the Federal Penitentiary Service (known as FSIN). Prison doctors are to decide whether the transfer of the prisoner to a civilian hospital is justified.
In April 2017, Makhmud Velitov, Imam of the "Yardyam" mosque in Moscow, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment for preaching about Abdulla Gappaev, a killed Dagestani religious leader, considered by the law enforcement bodies as a member of a terrorist organization. The Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" recognized Makhmud Velitov as a political prisoner.
Prison doctors assess the Makhmud Velitov's health state as satisfactory, and there is no threat to his life, the FSIN Department for the Astrakhan Region reports.
However, according to advocate Dagir Khasavov, the Makhmud Velitov's health is deteriorating. The advocate called the warders' attitude to the Imam "normal."
Relatives regularly visit Makhmud Velitov, said Ali Velitov, a brother of the Imam. According to him, Makhmud Velitov "has become very thin, he is weak, and he walks with difficulties."
According to Ali Velitov, his brother was sentenced for political reasons. "He just read a prayer for Abdulla Gappaev, a killed person, who turned out to be a terrorist," said Ali Velitov.
Ismail Valitov, a former employee of the "Yardyam" mosque, confirmed that Muslims are concerned over the Imam's fate.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 19, 2019 at 03:48 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Alyona Sadovskaya Source: CK correspondent
