24 February 2021, 11:27
Union of Repressed Russian Nations stands up for Ingush activists
The release of Ingush activists arrested in connection with the protest action in Magas will help in softening the socio-political tension in Northern Caucasus, the Union of Russian Repressed Nations has stated in its appeal to President Vladimir Putin.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the case of seven Ingush protest leaders, accused of creating an extremist community, is being considered since November 24, 2020, by the Essentuki City Court. Almost all the figurants of the process, including the prosecution witnesses, have testified in favour of the defendants.
On March 26, 2019, residents of Ingushetia continued their protest rally in Magas without a sanction from the authorities. In the morning on March 27, protesters clashed with the police. Starting since the early April of 2019, mass arrests of oppositionists took place in Ingushetia. According to the calculations run by "Caucasian Knot", at least 96 activists were prosecuted.
The appeal, posted in the official account of the Union in the Instagram social network, emphasizes that two of the detainees are elderly people; besides, one of the prisoners is a young woman. "At the stage of preliminary investigation, these citizens were placed into custody, which was repeatedly extended; and the total custody period is now over 1.5 years. As we know, all of the above persons are public figures who have been actively involved in socially useful and charitable activities. They have no previous convictions, have their families, and enjoy respect and authority in the Ingush society. In order to preserve the interethnic and interfaith stability in Northern Caucasus, we urge you to show humanity and assist in early release of the activists from custody," the appeal says.
The Union of Russian Repressed Nations believes that the president's assistance "would be perceived with understanding in the Ingush society and in Northern Caucasus in general amid the rich and complicated political situation in the year of elections to the Russian State Duma."
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 24, 2021 at 01:33 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Magomed Tuayev Source: CK correspondent
