Ingush activist denies incitement charges at Magas rally

Magomed Khamkhoev, a participant in the rally in Magas, accused of inciting unrests, has refused to plead guilty at trial. His defence insists that the secret witness, on whose testimonies the charges are based, should be personally present at trial.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Magomed Khamkhoev has been in custody since April 5, 2019, among other figurants of the criminal case on the use of violence against law enforcers at the rally in Magas.

On November 10, a hearing of Khamkhoev's case was held at the Yessentuki City Court.

Fatima Urusova, an advocate, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the announcement of the victim's testimonies lasted for two hours. Judge Karen Pogosyan has appointed the next court session for November 17; it is expected that the only "secret" prosecution witness will be heard at it, the advocate Urusova has added, noting that the defence insists on the presence of the witness in the courtroom.

"The investigators' base of proofs is solely on the testimonies of one "secret" witness. They have nothing else," she has explained, adding that "at the trial, Khamkhoev fully refused to plead guilty."

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 10, 2020 at 09:41 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.