Activists call a case against blogger Sidamon an infringement of freedom of speech

A case against Ossetian blogger Batraz Misikov is related to his civil position. If the court finds him guilty, that could be the beginning of mass persecution for expressing own own opinion, activists and bloggers point out.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Batraz Misikov is accused of propagating the superiority of Russians over Ossetians and inciting hatred towards the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) and the state. The questioning of the linguist, who conducted the examination of Batraz Misikov’s post, revealed violations in the procedure, and the defence demanded to recognize the linguist’s conclusion invalid.

An independent examination contradicts the conclusions of the company’s experts who analysed Batraz Misikov’s post, an advocate said. The blogger’s statement may be a reason for discussion, but not for institution of a case, the “Mothers of Beslan” Committee points out.

If the court finds Batraz Misikov guilty, that could be a point of no return for all activists in North Ossetia, emphasizes Agunda Bekoeva, a founder of the “Khotae” community against domestic violence.

Alan Tskhurbaev, the editor-in-chief of the “Daryal” magazine, agreed with the opinion that the blogger is being persecuted for his open civic position.