"Batalkhadzhinites" detained in Ingushetia and Chechnya; human rights activists insist they are innocent

The Federal Security Service (FSB) has made a series of arrests in Moscow, Ingushetia, and Chechnya: members of the religious group "Wird of Followers of the Batal-Khadzhi Belkhoroev Movement" have been taken into custody. The FSB's Public Relations Center (PRC) claims that a significant quantity of weapons was seized during the operation.

The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the North Caucasus Federal District has opened a criminal case under the article on illegal possession of explosive substances and explosive devices (Part 4, Article 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). Those arrested face prison terms of 10 to 15 years.

Currently, the Southern District Military Court is holding a trial against 12 members of the wird, accused of involvement in the 2019 terrorist attack that led to the death of Ibrahim Eldzharkiev, head of the Center for Combating Extremism of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Ingushetia.

The FSB reported that "work to decriminalize the group 'Wird of Followers of the Batal-Hadji Belkhoroev Movement' continues." Its members are allegedly involved in serious and especially serious crimes. The FSB also noted that "against the backdrop of the trial, attempts by representatives of human rights organizations to exonerate wird members and to compromise law enforcement agencies are being recorded."

The 'Wird of Followers of the Batal-Hadji Belkhoroev Movement' was founded in the late 19th century by the Ingush religious figure Batal-Hadji Belkhoroev. The so-called "combat wing" of the association is recognized in Russia as a terrorist organization and is banned.

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