Relatives of rioters at Makhachkala Airport appeal to Putin

Relatives of the rioters at the Makhachkala Airport have asked Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for leniency. According to their version, the detainees fell victims to provocation and made a mistake.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by December 13, 2023, about 150 people had been arrested within the criminal case of mass unrests at the airport; one of them was also accused of attacking a law enforcer. Most of them were arrested till the end of March. Among those arrested, there are those who were simply watching what was happening, a member of the Dagestani Public Oversight Commission (POC) has noted.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin), we ask you very much on behalf of the mothers, wives and children of these guys. They made a mistake without any criminal intent. All these guys are good sons, husbands and brothers; they are breadwinners of their families. They all have almost small children," said a woman in a video message posted by the Telegram channel "What's up with Dagestanis?"

Another woman said that Putin has always "warmly" treated the people of Dagestan; and they believe in the president.

Another woman has noted that the trial of five of the detainees will be held "outside of Dagestan, in particular, in the Krasnodar Territory." According to her story, families have no money for legal expenses and travelling to another region.