Defence treats charges against Circassian activist Naptugov of extremism as unjustified

Aslan Naptugov, a resident of Cherkessk, and 10 other natives of the Karachay-Cherkessian Repuvlic (KChR) were accused of extremism because of their social activities, an advocate has suggested.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Aslan Naptugov, a resident of Cherkessk, who was detained on May 24, had served six days of arrest for petty hooliganism, but after release from custody he was detained again by law enforcers and then re-arrested. He was charged with participation in an extremist community.

Investigators assert that "Naptugov joined and took part in activities of an extremist community in order to prepare or commit crimes of extremist nature," says the resolution to accuse Naptugov (a copy of the resolution is at the disposal of the "Caucasian Knot").

On August 5, the appellate instance considered the complaint of Naptugov's defence against the arrest, leaving the decision in force, Vyacheslav Merzakulov, an advocate, has informed.

He treats the criminal prosecution of Naptugov and other case figurants as politically motivated. "Since May 24, six persons have been kept in custody in the KChR; five others are under recognizance not to leave; they all are accused of having ideological and political views hostile to the incumbent Russia's government, I quote the indictment. The paradox is that none of them has ever been involved in politics, or has voiced out his political and ideological convictions. Investigators themselves, to their own discretion, decided that these people may have hostile thoughts; that is, the people were detained for their thoughts. This is nonsense in jurisprudence," Mr Merzakulov has stated.

According to his version, Aslan Naptugov is an entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in business, and he indeed has a pronounced and active civic, but not political position.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 15, 2022 at 08:00 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.