Within Project "Peace to the Caucasus" Kizlyar residents tell about infringements of Muslims' rights

The problems of Muslims were discussed in the course of the working meeting within the cycle of the public debates "Peace to the Caucasus". The meeting with townspeople of the working group of the Public Chamber of Russia on development of social dialogue and civil society institutions in the Caucasus was held in the city of Kizlyar on February 27.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Dagestan the public discussions "Peace to the Caucasus" had already been held in several cities. On February 25 they were held in the cities of Izberbash and Derbent; on February 26 in Buinaksk the discussion was attended by about 150 persons.

Aliomar Gaziev, Deputy Imam of Kizlyar told about the problems of the city Muslims. "We, Muslims, are not invited to events; thus, a certain part of society falls out of the public life. According to the Russian Constitution, every person is free to choose his or her clothes, so, why should we criticize those who want to cover themselves, and accuse them of their desire to establish a Sharia state? You can't put pressure on Muslims," said Gaziev.

When asked about those who blow up stores selling alcohol, the Deputy Imam replied that the answer to this question is the prerogative of law enforcement bodies. Mr Gaziev also stated that he supports the provisions of the memorandum of joint resistance to violence, extremism, ethnic enmity and support of the peace process in the Caucasus; however, whether to sign or not to sign the document will be decided by the Ummah (community) of the city.

Roman Dedin, a member of the Youth Parliament of Dagestan, spoke about why, in his opinion, the youth goes to the "forest": "Young people join rebels not because they are bad, but because they have a sharper reaction to social injustice," he said.

Said Magomedov, head of the public organization to support refugees and migrants of Dagestan, said that in the republic the power is detached from the people. "No power deals with us. Nobody cares about ordinary people. I ask to go on with such roundtables in the future," he said.

Nikolai Spirin, Ataman of the Kizlyar District, expressed his opinion on the criminals' national and religious belonging. "All the murderers and rapists have their nationalities and some religious affiliation. It is necessary to indicate that people, community, family should be ashamed of their criminals. Why is it much safer to travel in Chechnya than in Dagestan? Because there they engage the mechanisms of family and other types of responsibility," he said.

Other speakers opposed him. "I'm a Lack by nationality; I may have a criminal among my relatives, but what has it to do with me? You shouldn't apply this approach," said Nabigulla Asadulaev.

The discussions culminated with signing of the memorandum of joint resistance to violence, extremism, ethnic enmity and support of the peace process in the Caucasus.