Two more men were sentenced to 19 and 13 years as members of Basayev's detachment

The Southern District Military Court sentenced Eduard Taushev and Temirali Zarakayev to 19 and 13 years in a maximum security penal colony, respectively. This was reported by Interfax, citing information from the FSB Directorate for Stavropol Krai. The defendants were found guilty of attacking the Botlikh District of Dagestan during the second Russian-Chechen war.

According to investigators, in June-July 1999, Zarakayev and Taushev joined the detachment of field commanders Shamil Basayev and Khattab, and in August, they invaded Dagestan. More than 280 servicemen and law enforcement officers were killed and over 800 were wounded during the attack.

A criminal case was opened under articles on participation in a gang, armed rebellion, and also an attempt on the lives of military personnel (Articles 209, 279 and 317 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Among others, those who received amnesty are subject to criminal prosecution for actions against federal troops during the Russian-Chechen wars. Human rights activists have repeatedly emphasized that such charges are often based on the same type of testimony from secret witnesses and information obtained under torture.

Последние новости
Brussels has denied Georgia's European integration process due to the government's policies
Politics
Brussels has denied Georgia's European integration process due to the government's policies
18 December 2025

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Georgian government's current policies are not aligned with the European Union's direction. Arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, she emphasized the EU's support for the Georgian people but expressed disagreement with the Georgian government's actions. Kallas stated that the country's leadership is leading Georgia "in the wrong direction," which is hindering the process of European integration.
The Mufti of Dagestan will provide financial assistance to the family of the Tajik boy killed at a school in the Moscow region
Society
The Mufti of Dagestan will provide financial assistance to the family of the Tajik boy killed at a school in the Moscow region
18 December 2025

In connection with the tragic death of 10-year-old Tajik schoolboy Kobiljon Aliyev in Odintsovo, Moscow Region, the Mufti of Dagestan, Akhmad Afandi, expressed his deepest condolences and pledged his full support to the family.
A life sentence has been requested for Ruben Vardanyan
Human rights
A life sentence has been requested for Ruben Vardanyan
18 December 2025

At the Baku Military Court hearing on the case of Ruben Vardanyan, the former head of the unrecognized government in Karabakh, the prosecutor requested a life sentence. The former Russian citizen and billionaire is accused of serious crimes, including terrorism and crimes against humanity.
Chechens in Dagestan are once again asking for the restoration of the Aukh District
Society
Chechens in Dagestan are once again asking for the restoration of the Aukh District
18 December 2025

A petition addressed to the President of Russia has been published on Change.Org, asking for the restoration of the Aukh District in Dagestan, which was abolished in 1944 following the deportation of the Chechen population.