Murzakan: Nalchik protesters against Olympics complain of beating by police

Abubekir Murzakan, the leader of the movement "Adyge Khekuzh-Circassia" and a participant of the action against the Sochi Olympics held on February 7 in Nalchik, said that three activists detained after the action may have been beaten at OVD (Interior Division) No. 1.

Let us remind you that on February 7, in Nalchik, the police suppressed a protest action against the Olympics. According to preliminary data, about 25 people were detained.

Abubekir Murzakan, like most of other detainees, was released on February 8. Currently, six Circassian activists are kept at the temporary detention facility (known as IVS).

Mr Murzakan told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the detentions were made in rude physical form. He was charged with resisting policemen, organizing an unsanctioned rally, disturbing public order and blocking motor traffic.

He added that while being brought to the court on February 8 other detainees told him that some Circassian activists were beaten.

Abubekir Murzakan believes that the actions of the police bosses of the Nalchik UVD (Interior Department) were inadequate, since policemen did not even try to clear out whether protesters were involved in serious offenses or not.

In his turn, Ruslan Gvashev, the former chairman of the Board of Elders of Circassians-Shapsugs, said that he treats all protests of Circassian activists, both abroad and in Russia, with understanding. He added that the situation can be settled only if the authorities start dialogue with the Circassian community.