"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.

Последние новости
В Дамаске впервые после смены власти встретилась черкесская молодежь Сирии и Турции
Society
В Дамаске впервые после смены власти встретилась черкесская молодежь Сирии и Турции
30 July 2026

Организатором программы выступил турецкий Кавказский фонд (Kafkas Vakfı), собравший около 70 участников для развития культурного диалога, укрепления связей между диаспорами и обсуждения совместных проектов.

 
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
Human rights
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
30 July 2026

Georgian authorities have denied international protection to 17 Ukrainian citizens who have spent nearly a year in the basement of the Dariali border crossing point (Upper Lars) on the Georgia–Russia border. Once the decisions take legal effect, they could be deported at any moment.
Топливный кризис добрался до Абхазии: на АЗС выстроились километровые очереди
Economy
Топливный кризис добрался до Абхазии: на АЗС выстроились километровые очереди
30 July 2026

В Абхазии резко обострилась ситуация с автомобильным топливом. На крупных АЗС в Сухуме и других городах образовались длинные очереди, а на некоторых заправках отпуск бензина ограничили до 20 литров на автомобиль. Власти республики признают перебои с поставками, но заверяют, что они носят временный характер.
Ingushetia’s Prosecutor’s Office Holds Regional Authorities Responsible for Sunzha River Pollution
Society
Ingushetia’s Prosecutor’s Office Holds Regional Authorities Responsible for Sunzha River Pollution
30 July 2026

It is the authorities of Ingushetia—not local residents—who bear responsibility for the ongoing sewage pollution of the Sunzha River. This conclusion was reached by the Prosecutor’s Office, which, for the first time, detailed the history of the long-standing dispute.