New case against Gadjiev worsens his position

A new criminal case initiated against Abdulmumin Gadjiev, a journalist of the "Chernovik" (Draft) weekly and portal, will allow investigators to extend his arrest, his advocates are afraid.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that investigators opened a new criminal case against Abdulmumin Gadjiev, the editor of the religion section of the "Chernovik", this time about his involvement in two organizations, the "Congress of Peoples of Ichkeria and Dagestan" and the "Higher Military Majlisul Shura of Join Forces of Caucasian Mujahideens" (the Russia's Supreme Court announced both organizations to be terrorist and banned their activities in Russia, – note of the "Caucasian Knot").

Arsen Shabanov, one of Gadjiev's advocates, has treated the investigators' arguments about his client's participation in the above extremist organizations as unclear. "The decision on opening the new criminal case fails to specify what the Gadjiev's participation in the terrorist organizations was manifested by," Mr Shabanov explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his story, the new criminal case worsens Gadjiev's situation, as he may be subjected to additional punishment if convicted. The advocate would not give any predictions about possible judgements on the criminal cases against Gadjiev.

The second criminal case against Abdulmumin Gadjiev evidences investigators' attempts to keep him under arrest for longer, said Akhmed Akhmedov, another Gadjiev's advocate. "I believe that this was done in order to keep him in custody," Mr Akhmedov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 17, 2020 at 02:23 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.