09:14, 9 May 2014

In Khasavyurt, eyewitness reports on mass detentions of Salafism followers on May 7 and 8

On May 8, at least 20 followers of Salafism were brought to a police station in Khasavyurt. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by a local resident.

According to the resident, who introduced himself as Arsen D., on May 7 and 8, in Khasavyurt, the police conducted raids against local followers of Salafism.

"In total, in two days, according to various sources, at least 20-25 persons were brought to the police station. After the local residents had been brought to the police station, they were questioned, their passport details were copied, and they were fingerprinted and photographed. Someone claims being forced to give a DNA assay. All detainees were released within two-three hours from the moment they were delivered to the police station," the source has said.

"At the GOVD (City Interior Division), no one has presented any specific reason for the detention. The main arguments were a 'beard' and a 'Salafi'," the resident of Khasavyurt has noted.

Officials from the GOVD have confirmed that on May 8, no more than 10 persons had been brought to the police station and that they had been already released.

Author: Karina Gadzhieva

Source: CK correspondent