Magomed Kartashov: Eid al-Adha failed in Kizlyar Park because it was blocked by power agents

Celebration of the holiday of Eid al-Adha, scheduled for today in the park named after Peter I in the city of Kizlyar, was not held, since the recreation area was cordoned off by armed law enforcement agents. This was reported by Magomed Kartashov, the organizer of the event.

The Ministry of Justice of Dagestan prohibited celebration of the holiday of Eid al-Adha on October 29 in the park named after Peter I in the city of Kizlyar. Khaibulla Malachilov, Deputy Minister of Justice of Dagestan, has explained that Eid al-Adha is a religious ceremony and the Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations" notes that such ceremonies cannot take place in city parks. Magomed Kartashov, the organizer of the celebration of the holiday of Eid al-Adha in the Kizlyar park, intended to hold the event despite the prohibition of the Ministry of Justice.

"Starting from the morning, additional forces of law enforcement agents were brought to the city. Inputs and outputs to the park were completely blocked by the law enforcement agents. They did not allow anyone to enter the park. In one of the streets, my car was detained by policemen. Then, they brought me to the city OVD (Interior Division), where I was asked various questions. Finally, they photographed and fingerprinted me. The policemen explained nothing; however, they were polite," Magomed Kartashov said.

He has also stated he believes that city residents were frightened by various rumours. "In Kizlyar, rumours were widespread that the park would bring together radical Muslims and that after the rally they would go to the assault of the city administration," he has stated.

In their turn, officials from the unit on duty of the city OVD confirmed the fact that Magomed Kartashov had been brought to the OVD; however, they failed to specify the cause. The OVD officials have also explained that no additional forces were brought to the city.