21:28, 29 January 2016

Law enforcers close mosque in Makhachkala suburb

In Shamkhal, a suburban residential settlement of Makhachkala, the Salafi mosque will be reopened only after the appointment of a new imam. This was reported by members of the Salafi community and a source from the local police station.

An hour prior to the Friday prayer, the territory adjacent to the Salafi mosque of Shamkhal village was cordoned off by at least eight UAZ police cars, the "Caucasian Knot" was told by one of the mosque-goers.

Another mosque-goer believes that the mosque is to accept a scenario similar to what has happened in the Makhachkala mosque located in Kotrov Street.

"We had a talk in the central Sufi mosque of Shamkhal village, where the imam was appointed by the Muftiyat. The Dagestani Spiritual Administration suggests appointing a new imam at the Salafi mosque or the mosque will be closed. We have said that it is better to be closed," said the mosque-goer.

A source from the police has confirmed that the mosque was closed until the appointment of the new imam.

Earlier, it has been reported that on December 11, 2015, law enforcers conducted mass detentions of mosque-goers in the village of Shamkhal. Besides, the imam was detained.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Source: CK correspondent