Ingush activist Ozdoev refuses to testify

Magomed-Bashir Ozdoev was brought to a Nalchik SIZO (pre-trial prison), and he refused to testify concerning clashes with law enforcers at a rally in Magas, the activist's advocate reported.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that today, law enforcers detained Magomed-Bashir Ozdoev in connection with the case on a rally in Magas.

Magomed-Bashir Ozdoev was brought to the Nalchik SIZO, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Kazi Atabiev, an advocate of the activist. "Magomed-Bashir Ozdoev has been arrested today. He is charged under Part 2 of Article 318 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ('the use of violence dangerous to life or health against a public officer, – note of the "Caucasian Knot"). At this stage, he refused to testify. He is being kept at the SIZO in the city of Nalchik. Tomorrow, a motion will be sent to the court, and in the morning, we will find out what is going on," said the advocate.

The defender noted that other detainees in the case on the rally had been also brought to Nalchik. "Apparently, investigators refer to the fact that there is a teip (family clan) system in Ingushetia, and some concessions may be given to the arrestees," Kazi Atabiev suggested.

Mustafa Ozdoev, an activist's father, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent about the today's visit of law enforcers. "About 30 people arrived in six cars, including a Granta passenger car, a Gazelle car, an Ural car, an armoured Tiger vehicle, and an UAZ car. The law enforcers wore masks, bulletproof vests, and helmets. They entered and presented the arrest and search warrants. They searched for something, but did not seize anything," Mustafa Ozdoev noted.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 26, 2020 at 06:35 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.