Woman from Chechen village of Achkhoi-Martan publicly scolded for witchcraft

The "Grozny" ChGTRK (Chechen State TV and Radio Company) has released a story, in which Adam Elzhurkaev, the head physician of the Centre for Islamic Medicine, publicly reprimanded Zura Dudaeva, a resident of Achkhoi-Martan, for practicing occultism. The woman said that she was not engaged in witchcraft; and the symbols found in her house were parts of her hobby for religion and philosophy.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that since July 2019, the persecution of residents for occultism has intensified in Chechnya. The "Grozny" ChGTRK is regularly publishing reports in which local residents repent of their practicing witchcraft.

"The Koran, the Star of David, crosses ... Zura says that she is simply interested in religion and philosophy. For her, the pentagram is just an asterisk," said the TV journalist, as the ChGTRK reported on the Instagram.

In his turn, Mr Elzhurkaev reminded the woman that "witchcraft" is a grave sin in religion, and urged citizens of the republic "not to trust such charlatans and to seek help from specialized centres."

"Why don't they show their 'clients'? Showing these sorcerers will not fix anything. They will be there as long as there is demand for them," says the user luizagaitieva.

Another part of users have demanded to severely punish residents who practice witchcraft.