Russia: Ingush opposition activist sentenced on hatred charges
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 28 November 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Ingush opposition activist sentenced on hatred charges, 28 November 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5c34a78213.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
2018-11-28
Ingush oppositionist Magomed Khazbiyev (file photo)
An opposition activist in Russia's North Caucasus region of Ingushetia has been sentenced to two years and 11 months in a colony-settlement, a penitentiary in which convicts live close to a facility where they work.
In a November 27 ruling, a court in Ingushetia found Magomed Khazbiyev guilty of inciting hatred towards regional leader Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and other officials and law enforcement authorities, as well as illegal weapon possession.
Khazbiyev's lawyer, Khedi Ibriyeva said her client's sentence would be appealed.
Khazbiyev was detained in his native Ingushetia in January upon arrival from neighboring Chechnya, where he had been under the protection of the Chechen government since 2015.
Khazbiyev, a fierce critic of Ingush officials and President Vladimir Putin, has maintained his innocence, saying the charges against him are politically motivated.
Chechen authorities placed Khazbiyev under protection after unidentified gunmen opened fire on his car in February 2015 in Grozny.
Khazbiyev, a former chairman of the opposition PARNAS party's branch in Ingushetia, has faced pressure from the authorities for years.
Based on reporting by Caucasian Knot and Mediazona
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
