An activist from the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic is accused of financing terrorism for aiding Palestinian residents

The Southern Federal Military Court has extended the pretrial detention of Rustem Aybazov, an activist from Karachay-Cherkessia and a father of five, for six months. He is accused of financing terrorism based on testimony from law enforcement and a secret witness.

Aybazov and his family insist he is being persecuted because of his active charitable work, which included large-scale fundraising for residents of the Gaza Strip. Aybazov's associates note that over the past six months, approximately 400 million rubles have been raised for humanitarian aid through initiatives associated with him.

According to his family, Rustem Aybazov himself does not deny making the transfers, but categorically denies any intention of financing terrorism. Investigators allege that in 2024, he transferred approximately 17,400 rubles to an individual who allegedly sent funds to members of the Islamic State, a group banned in Russia. The charges are based on testimony from the recipient of the funds, operatives, and a secret witness.

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