Kase Kik considered the verdict in his homeland to be political persecution.

Circassian activist Kase Kik, who was tried in absentia for spreading fakes about the army, linked the verdict to his political and human rights activities, emphasizing that he would not abandon his beliefs.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the city court of Cherkessk sentenced Kase Kik to seven years, recognizing his social media publication as spreading fakes about the army. The verdict was issued in absentia, as Kik has been living outside Russia since 2022.

Kase Kik believes that the verdict against him is politically motivated. "I consider the verdict issued against me in absentia to be a politically motivated decision related to my public activities, criticism of Russia's actions against Ukraine, and work in defense of the rights of the Circassian people," he stated to a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot."

The activist emphasized that he opposes military actions on the territory of Ukraine and intends to continue his public activities exclusively through peaceful and legal means.

"I have not committed violent actions and have always openly expressed my beliefs. Such judicial decisions will not change my views or force me to abandon public activities," Kik said.

He expressed hope that international human rights organizations, democratic states, and independent media would continue to monitor such cases and provide legal assessments. According to the activist, political persecution "cannot stop people who consistently defend their beliefs," so he intends to continue his work, remaining committed to the principles of freedom of speech and human rights.

Kase Kik is a native of the village of Psauchye-Dakhe in the Khabez district of Karachay-Cherkessia. On December 5, 2025, Rosfinmonitoring included his data with a note of involvement in terrorism in the list of terrorists and extremists.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that in June 2022, security forces detained Kase Kik in Cherkessk after he ordered a Ukrainian song in a cafe. He stated that he was tortured and a protocol for petty hooliganism was drawn up against him. The court sentenced him to seven days of arrest, finding him guilty. After that, the Circassian activist left Russia. In July 2024, security forces conducted a search at Kase Kik's parents' home. He called the unauthorized search an attempt at pressure.